Two of my favorite things converged recently and it seemed a shame to let it pass without note, just because it happens to be a smidge outside of the metropolitan area. If you've never been to Mexico City - well, go already. Simply put it is fucking amazing. Enormous in way you could never have in the U.S., this smog loving cradle of the mountains is an electric city, while still retaining a folksy nature. Every last inch of it seems to be covered in color (most of it graffiti) and terribly urban with the exception of the slowly sinking ancient churches and museums. You can be treated to the most terrifying taxi ride of your life as all of the drivers have stripped down old VW bugs (think Herbie AFTER the bad guys have taken him for a joyride) sans seatbelts and sometimes seats themselves. And before I forget, traffic signs and signals are considered a "recommendation" rather than the rule of law.

When I was there last, the city was casually awaiting an earthquake while my local guides fed me pig ligaments and the "excrement of the gods." (Actually a fungus that grows on corn that is outlawed by the FDA here in the U.S. Of course I learned this post consumption.) I was eating at a basic shack in the middle of a neighborhood that was tended by four generation of women from a local family. EVERYONE ate here, from college kids and rowdy punks to attorneys and entertainers. It is just that kind of place. Cool sans all the pretension. Its the kind of city that has random little open air ice cream parlors built into the corners of buildings where you can experience small scoops of the most delectable flavors imaginable.

Why all the background you ask? Well, first off it's my article jerky. Secondly, it is to show you how amazingly perfect it is for an exhibition of my beloved Little Friends of Printmaking. Combining the skewed take on humanity and it's way of dealing with adversity as well as filled to the brim with their playful colors and energy, LFoP fit snugly into the siesta hammock of Mexico City. Despite it's gigantic footprint, the city often reminds me of a college town chomping on barrels of steroids and Little Friends are very much a product of their Madison (the ultimate college town) homestead. The dynamic duo produce art that is so joyful and twisted that it seems to find the sweet spot in any viewer - no matter what their background might be.

The fine folks at Kong clearly were smitten (DC sooo badly needs a shop like this) and brought our happy campers down below the border for some sunshine and glory. The result is "Mind Gangsters" a one of a kind installation of their prints with hand-painted wall framings. Seriously - check out the skills on the sign-painter as he promotes the show and helps with the installation. A-freakin-mazing.

I couldn't wait to bother the pretty half of the Buchanan's, Melissa, about the experience:

"We were disarmed by the stylishness of Mexico City. Spending time there was like taking a day trip to the future. We really have to thank Kong for having us and putting so much energy into the show. They have this wonderful record of bringing in artists & designers who are little known in Latin America and introducing them to the community. They've had people like Rinzen and Gary Panter-- it's impressive. Now we have to invent a reason to go back!" she exclaimed.

Take a peek:

little site

kong

Previously in Tangents:

• PHOTOS: Sonic Youth @ Prospect Park
• PHOTOS: Whartscape!
• PHOTOS: Northside Festival
• Beach Balls in the Dust: A BYT Guide to Bonnaroo
• Capn' Sass in Pari: Drinking in La Roux in Paris
• Disney Diary Day 3: The Magic Kingdom
• Disney Diary Day 2 Part II: Epcot
• Disney Diary Day 2 Part I: Animal Kingdom
• Capn' Sass in Paris: A Place to Bury Strangers (A Review, Not Advice)
• Disney Diary: Day 1