“La Ilusión de Permanencia” Exhibition By Alex Mendi

My first solo show—"La Ilusión de Permanencia”—was an introduction to my visual language and the ideas, emotions and materials that fuel my artistic practice. The exhibition brought together my photography, photo-based serigraphy and video works.

Because my work spans several mediums and moods, I knew I needed a venue that could support that range—a place that allowed people to transition between environments and energies. The moment I visited Wonderland Studios, I knew it was the right place to make my vision a reality. It’s open and bright, yet divided in a way that invites movement and exploration. I had visited the space a year before for photographer, friend and colleague Jenna Yandle’s senior show, and I instantly knew it was magical. .

From the series “El Paisaje Inefable”. Left: Goteando Luz, 16” x 16” serigraph on paper. Right: Labios Cristalinos, 16” x 16” serigraph on paper.

I decided to start with my series “El Paisaje Inefable” (The Ineffable Landscape) on the first floor—the Alice Studio. This series is an abstract, vibrant and poetic series, the perfect soft “hello” that welcomed the experience to come. These pieces meant to ease the viewers into the experience by allowing them to enter a calm and meditative space, setting the tone for the rest of the journey.

A peek into the Alice Studio the day of the show. Photos by Evelio Castillo

Upstairs, I divided the space into four main areas. The Cheshire Studio became the photography room, where I displayed six black and white photographs, alongside a selection of personal journals and books from my library. The communal space was the heart of the show, featuring a live DJ set and the central body of work: La Ilusión de Permanencia. The Queen of Hearts—with curtains drawn and plenty of cozy furniture—became a theater for people to enjoy around 20 minutes of my short films. Lastly, I used the balcony as a social hub with drinks, food and space for people to sit, relax and connect. One of my main goals for the show was to make the event comfortable and safe—a space where people could enjoy artwork while having fun and sharing with each other.

The Cheshire Studio, Photography room. Photos by Alex Mendi

The idea of having a show didn’t become concrete until after the series La Ilusión de Permanencia came together, and after I revisited Wonderland, I was ready to go. I spent countless hours in the printmaking studio trying to let myself lose and create without inhibitions. Screen printing is a very freeing process. It allows for experimentation and play, liberating me from the confines of my computer screen and guiding me into the universe of colorful ink and messy hands. This process allowed me to print onto paper, fabric and wood, a versatility that was essential to create a body of work that was diverse but still cohesive.

From the series “La Ilusión de Permanencia”. Left: Por Dentro, 18” diameter serigraph on wood. Right: Ventanas Hacia Adentro, 14” x 17” serigraph on fabric.

At the beginning of March I shifted my focus from producing the work to thinking about how it was going to be displayed. Since the studio space is so big, I knew I had to be creative and resourceful with how I was going to lay everything out. I visited the studio several times and at different times of day to think about lighting, hanging of the pieces and every little detail I could think of. I brought along friends and collaborators from different

disciplines, from film & electric equipment to fabrics, sound and photography experts. This collaboration element was key to get my points across in the best way I could.

Facundo Sasson & Gianluca Calcaño, the two musicians/live performers who made sure the energy was high throughout the whole show. Photo by Evelio Castillo.

On the day of the show, my nerves were at an all-time high—but thanks to the support of my friends and the Wonderland team, everything came together beautifully. I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out. The show sparked meaningful conversations and connections, and affirmed that I’m on the right path.

A warm moment with one of the attendees, former professor and creative genius Chuck Carbia. Photo by Evelio Castillo.

You can check out more on the exhibition and the series that were featured on my website!