Eugenio López Alonso at his home in Mexico City
Eugenio López Alonso, the influential heir to the Grupo Jumex fruit juice empire and president of Fundación Jumex Arte Contemporáneo, stands at the pinnacle of contemporary art collecting. Embarking on his journey in the late 1990s, López has become synonymous with fostering art practices and promoting growth within Mexico's contemporary art scene.
The Art Connoisseur's Genesis
In 1994, López co-founded the Chac Mool Gallery in Los Angeles, marking the inception of his profound engagement with the art world alongside adviser Esthella Provas. Establishing Fundación Jumex in 2001, López's mission was to create a permanent art collection accessible to the public. His vision materialized with the Museo Jumex in 2013, a testament to López's growing influence on the global cultural stage.
A Philanthropic Force
López's impact extends beyond his collection. He supports Mexican museums, educational programs, and art-related publications. Fundación Jumex awards grants and scholarships to curators and artists pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, contributing to developing the nation's cultural landscape.
Diverse Board Memberships
Currently serving on the boards of Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo, Museo de Arte Moderno, and Patronato de Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico, López's influence reaches the United States. He is a board member of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA). The JUMEX FUND at MOCA reflects his commitment to contemporary Latin American art.
A Magnificent Collection
López's collection, now boasting 3,000 artworks, features luminaries like Doug Aitken, Olafur Eliasson, and Gabriel Orozco. Pieces from his collection frequently travel for global exhibitions or adorn the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, a David Chipperfield-designed Museum inaugurated in 2013.
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Artful Living
Eugenio López's Beverly Hills residence is a testament to his dual love for Mexico City and Los Angeles. Acquired two decades ago, this midcentury gem underwent renovations by Marmol Radziner, introducing modern European furnishings from Vance Burke Design. The house is a premier venue for the international art scene, hosting vibrant gatherings during L.A. art fairs.
A Tale of Two Residences
López's homes reflect his diverse art tastes. While the Los Angeles residence embraces the soft California sunlight and an ever-changing display of art, the Mexico City palace, redesigned by Luis Bustamante, exudes a more formal atmosphere. Both homes witness the rotation of López's cherished artworks, each holding a unique place in his heart.
Fundación Jumex's journey started in 1994 with the Galería Jumex on the outskirts of Mexico City. López aimed to cultivate contemporary art in Mexico, defying convention by locating the gallery within an industrial area. This experimental space laid the foundation's library's foundation, supporting art theory education. Museo Jumex, designed by David Chipperfield, opened in 2013, further democratizing access to global contemporary art.
In Conversation with Eugenio López Alonso
In an exclusive interview, López shares insights into his art journey. From acquiring his first artwork, a Robert Motherwell piece, to initiating the foundation inspired by Saatchi's collection in London, López's passion for art shines. His deep affection for Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art and a special admiration for Cy Twombly reveal the curator's discerning taste.
Art as Passion, Not Investment
López challenges the notion of art as a mere investment. While some view art as akin to the stock market, he emphasizes the disconnect. For López, the essence lies in genuine passion, illustrated by anecdotes of acquiring cherished pieces beyond budget constraints.
The happiest moments of López's life unfolded in his Los Angeles residence, while Mexico remained his enduring passion. The collector's unwavering connection to both places symbolizes a life dedicated to art, philanthropy, and the pursuit of cultural enrichment.
Eugenio López Alonso's story is one of passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to the world of contemporary art. His influence reverberates through Mexico and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
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