The Week That Was: Immersed in Mexican Art, Film, and Flavours
Plus, is another world possible in the US?
The Week That Was is a Monday letter crafted for those who seek to live with intention and curiosity. In each edition, I share a column of the week, a curated collection of recommendations, and a question for you to take a moment of reverie.
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I love nothing more than a theme, and this weekend, we fully embraced Mexican culture. On Friday evening, we began with Tótem, a 2023 film written and directed by Lila Avilés, which follows seven-year-old Sol as she spends a day at her grandfather’s home for a surprise party for her ailing father, Tonatiuh. As the day fades into night, Sol begins to understand that her world is about to change. The film is a poignant reflection on life, death, and time, viewed through the lens of childhood innocence. Though it offers intriguing character studies and rich glimpses into unique aspects of Mexican culture, I can’t help but admit that I didn’t love it as much as Nora’s Will, the last Mexican film I watched.
From film to art, the theme continued with a visit to the National Museum of Mexican Art here in Chicago—a treasure tucked away from the city’s more famous institutions. Founded by Carlos Tortolero in 1982 and opened in 1987, this Pilsen museum has become a beacon for Mexican art in the U.S., housing one of the largest collections of Mexican art in the country. Over 7,000 works, ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary pieces, fill the museum’s galleries.
The permanent collection unfolds the rich narrative of Mexican identity, as seen in Nuestras Historias (Our Histories), an exhibition that traces the evolution of Mexican identity through different communities. It begins with La Leyenda de los Volcanes (The Legend of the Volcanoes), a romanticized painting by Jesús Helguera. The piece depicts the tragic love story of Mixtli, a princess, and Popoca, a warrior—symbols of Mexico’s enduring mythic identity. It is a work that became synonymous with the post-revolutionary period, where idealized depictions of ancient Mexican civilization were used to shape national identity and unity.
The museum’s offerings are vast, from exquisite Pueblan pottery to intricate beaded artwork and sculptures of La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico's most revered figure. These pieces are more than artifacts; they are expressions of cultural pride, each telling a story of resilience and tradition, often passed down through generations of artisans. Folk art, in particular, continues to be a powerful vehicle for shaping Mexican identity, building pride, and unifying the nation—a tradition that remains very much alive today.
The contemporary collection offers its own provocations, notably in I Can’t Pass (2005), a powerful performance piece by Ana Teresa Fernández. The artist's public performances along the U.S.-Mexico border address political and social issues surrounding women and sexuality, using her body to challenge boundaries and reflect on the commodification of labor, symbolized by her iconic black dress.
At the intersection of art and activism, the museum provides a stirring look at works dedicated to the labor rights movement, including murals and pieces highlighting César E. Chávez and farm workers’ struggles. These works punctuate the history of U.S.-Mexico relations with urgency, reminding us that art can also be a call to action.
Currently, the museum is hosting Semilla (Seed), a solo exhibition by Cecilia Beaven, whose work blends Aztec mythology with Mexican folk art in a colorful exploration of life, growth, and transformation. Her pieces, steeped in vibrant hues and rich textures, act as a journey through both her artistic evolution and Mexico's cultural heritage. She states, “A drawing, as a document of memory, is more objective than a photograph because it includes perception.”
With its commitment to celebrating the vibrancy of Mexican culture, the museum is a dynamic space for exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. From pre-Columbian relics to modern photography, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Mexico’s artistic legacy. Special exhibitions and events on Día de los Muertos and the immigrant experience provide further depth to the conversation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Mexican traditions.
Compact yet profoundly engaging, the museum can be explored in under an hour and a half—though, with all the cultural wealth packed in, you may find yourself lingering longer. Did I mention it has free entry? And don't miss the gift shop. A veritable mercado of colorful papel picado, hand-carved masks, and Day of the Dead skeletons, it’s worth a visit in its own right.
After soaking in all that art and refraining from buying half of the gift shop, we ended the evening with tamales from our favorite spot in the city, Yvolina’s Tamales—a fitting end to 24 hours of Mexican culture.
curated finds that inspire, delight, and enrich
1. Another World is Possible
On Tuesday evening, a group of girlfriends and I made our way to The Lincoln Lodge for a book talk and panel discussion on Another World is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe, a recent release from The New Press. (The event was co-hosted by the independent publication “In These Times” and the worker-owned bookstore Pilsen Community Books.) In it, journalist Natasha Hakimi Zapata travels to countries including Costa Rica, Uganda, Estonia, and Singapore to examine how they have tackled social challenges that continue to trouble the US.
Her findings are compelling. In the UK, universal healthcare via the much-admired NHS is a given. In Singapore, affordable housing is available to all. New Zealand ensures a universal payment for all citizens and residents over 65, while Norway offers parents a full year of leave followed by subsidized childcare. The book makes a clear argument: these policies are not utopian ideals but proven, effective solutions that enhance quality of life and social cohesion. The evening’s discussion was an invigorating reminder that better systems exist—it’s just a matter of will. It also sparked an interesting debate about what prevents such policies from taking root in the US: political resistance, corporate influence, or simply a lack of collective imagination?
Driving home afterward, I wondered what it would take for America to embrace a similar shift. We could start by having as many people as possible read this book.
2. The Link Between Imagination and the Humanities
One of my favourite reads this week was Judith Butler’s thought-provoking piece for LitHub Politics, titled "To Imagine a World After This, Democracy Needs the Humanities." In this piece, Butler delves into the idea that when we think about the future—whether in its darkest form or by claiming there is no future—we are still engaging in an act of imagination. As they poignantly put it, "If we are imagining a fatal conclusion, we are still imagining." This underscores the power of imagination as the bridge between democracy and the humanities, highlighting how literature’s imaginative tools are essential for rethinking societal structures and democratic processes.
Butler draws on Kafka's parable about law and power to explore the tension between people’s yearning for self-determination and the oppressive systems that restrict their agency. The piece ultimately argues that democracy and the humanities are indispensable for imagining a future that transcends the destruction we fear. It is a genuinely compelling and insightful read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, politics, and the power of imagination.
3. In the Market for New Luggage
A well-chosen suitcase is more than just a travel essential—it’s a companion for years of journeys. This year, I’m in search of a new set and have been weighing up a few options. Paravel remains a front-runner. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is impressive: its Aviator case is the world’s first carbon-neutral suitcase, crafted from upcycled and recycled materials, with emissions from production and shipping fully offset. The Safari Green set seems the most practical choice—disguising wear while remaining easy to spot on the carousel.
But my search has led me to some lesser-known names that are equally compelling. Japanese brand Lojel champions a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that reflects the country’s thoughtful approach to design. Meanwhile, British heritage brand Antler, which has been producing luggage since 1914, offers an elegant alternative. Their Antler Green suitcase—a rich hue inspired by the British countryside—has caught my eye, as has their overnight bag, which looks perfectly suited for quick escapes. The decision isn’t final yet, but the shortlist is taking shape.
4. On Repeat in the Afternoon
South African-born, Berlin-based singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou has long been admired for her independent spirit and evocative storytelling. With a voice that oscillates between wistful and defiant, she has carved out a space in the music world that feels refreshingly intimate. Her 2023 album, Shelter, sees her refining her sound while staying true to the raw authenticity that first won her a devoted following. Known for her busking roots and fiercely DIY ethos, Lou has once again delivered a record that feels personal yet universal—woven with gentle melodies, thoughtful lyricism, and an undercurrent of quiet resilience.
Tracks like “Open My Door” and “Lose My Head” embrace a looser, almost dreamlike quality, while her latest single “Better” exudes a subtle jazz-inflected groove. While her earlier work often carried an air of bittersweet longing, her recent tracks feel more settled—content with uncertainty, embracing the ebb and flow of life. It’s the kind of record that pairs well with a late afternoon beverage and a sunlit window, offering an unhurried soundtrack to moments of quiet reflection.
5. Chicago-made Jenny’s Tofu
“Made in Chicago. Born in Taiwan.” It’s a motto that speaks to the heart of Jenny Yang’s mission—bringing the nourishing, comforting essence of Taiwan’s tofu culture to the Midwest with her company, Jenny’s Tofu. A tofu lover since childhood, Jenny missed the familiar taste of home when she moved to Chicago to pursue her graduate degree. However, her connection to tofu goes beyond nostalgia; it’s rooted in a practical epiphany. Upon realizing that her adopted city was home to the nation’s largest soybean producer, she set out to challenge the way Chicagoans—and Americans at large—view this humble, yet sustainable, protein.
In 2006, Jenny took over Phoenix Bean Tofu, Chicago’s oldest-running tofu factory, nestled in the Edgewater neighborhood. For over 35 years, it has been supplying fresh tofu to local Asian restaurants and grocery stores, but thanks to the growing demand for plant-based options, Jenny’s Tofu now graces the shelves of everything from high school cafeterias to Whole Foods across the US. Each day, small batches of tofu, soymilk, and okara are crafted with the traditional Taiwanese method—grinding and boiling the finest soybeans, then expertly turning the soy milk into a product that is wholesome and endlessly versatile. These days, we can’t help but stock up on her Five Spice Chili Tofu and Chinese Red Peanut Tofu to elevate our weekday salads. Indeed, they are tofu as you’ve never known—comforting, bold, and a delicious reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most satisfying meals.
a pause to reflect, a moment to savor
What moment of reflection has made you contemplate the future—whether with optimism, uncertainty, or something else entirely? How does your imagination influence the way you envision what's ahead?
With warmth and gratitude,
Jennifer
xxx