My name is Age Salajõe, an Estonian-born, Mexico City-based professional.
In 2016, I arrived in Mexico with a keen design eye and an entrepreneurial approach to cross-pollination between mediums-whether it being art, design, or beauty.
I am the co-founder and a director of MASA, a gallery that bridges the gap between art and collectible design, EWE Studio, a studio devoted to preserving and advancing Mexico's rich artisan heritage. I am also the founder of NETA VERE, an on-demand beauty and wellness services, and e-commerce platform. In blurring the lines across mediums, I have always advocated for the nuanced relationship between aesthetics and functionality and for cross-cultural ways of thinking.
WHAT ARE YOU SHOWING?
I am thrilled about MASA's upcoming exhibition with the New York-based gallery Luhring Augustine. Our collaborative exhibition at our gallery in Mexico City is truly something I am very proud of. Together, we are presenting a roster of artists and designers in conversation with one another, including Christina Forrer, Mark Handforth, Mohammed Sami, Salman Toor, Rachel Whiteread, Héctor Esrawe, Panorammma, Brian Thoreen, Héctor Zamora, and more.
In addition to MASA, my studio, EWE, has an open studio in Roma Norte that I encourage everyone to visit as well.
On view at MASA Galería opening Feb 6
Location Joaquín A. Pérez 6. San Miguel Chapultepec CDMX
WHAT IS NOT TO BE MISSED?
There are many wonderful things happening during the art week, from open studios and collaborative artist pop-up exhibitions, to gallery openings all over town, apart from the fairs, of course.
Apart from Maco, Material, and Acme, I wouldn't miss the Co'ma and Peana collaborative exhibition at Juan O’Gorman's studio. I am also looking forward to Peana’s solo exhibition for Julia Rometti, Anahuacalli to see Wyatt Kahn’s presentation, as well as Emil Sands at Jo-hs, and Dante Medinas open studio. A solo show of Newton at Lodos, as well Abraham Gonzales’s solo show at Campeche, and Naranjo 141. And of course, Travesia Cuatro, Mascota, Kurimanzutto, and OMR.
WHO ARE THE ARTISTS TO WATCH?
I am keeping my keen eye on Panorammma and Dante Medina.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING BETWEEN AND AFTER THE SHOWS?
I will be fully present at MASA throughout the art week, and I try not to do many things during this week, but to see the exhibitions in calm the following week. However, I will make sure to attend Material's Carlos Amorales performance, Rafael Prieto’s opening, the pop-up bar by Loup Sarion and Charlotte vander Borght at Mascota, Lago Algo, and squeeze in meals at few places around town.
I usually grab a green juice from the street vendor around my house and head to work, or get a croissant from Saint on a naughty day. I would also recommend Amanda Manda or Expendío de Maíz for breakfast, El Sella or Coox Hanal for lunch, and Bar el Bosque for an early dinner. For late-night vibes rather than food, I suggest Covadonga. Apart from Rosetta, Maximo, Hugo, and Contramar, which are always a special treat, but tend to be very busy on that week.
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