Francis Alÿs
b. 1959
Francis Alÿs is a Belgian-born, Mexico-based multimedia artist best known for his documentation style photography and film. Alÿs studied architecture in Belgium and only turned to fine art after moving to Mexico City in 1986 as a result of experiencing a dramatically different socioeconomic urban environment. Alÿs lives and works in Mexico and is represented by David Zwirner. His work – a blend of photographic journalism, anthropological cataloguing, performance art and painting – seeks to capture the breadth of humankind; from its poetic sensibilities to its darkest destructive capabilities. Alÿs’ art is oftentimes a medium through which to express socio-political discourse.
Alÿs’ work had been exhibited worldwide including at the Barbican Art Centre, London (2024); Copenhagen Contemporary, Copenhagen (2022); Tai Kwun Center for Heritage & Art, Hong Kong (2020); Beirut Art Center, Lebanon (2018); Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (2013); Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Basel (2010); Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach (2009); The Israel Museum, Jerusalem (2005); Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City (1997). Alÿs’ work has also won several awards including the Wolfgang Hahn Prize, Museum Ludwig, Cologne (2023); the Art Icon Award, Whitechapel Gallery, London (2020); the Biennial Award for Contemporary Art, Bonnefantenmuseum, Maastricht (2010) and more.
