Last November—on Sunday the 23rd, to be exact—two homes were burgled in the México neighbourhood of Mérida. One of the break-ins happened at 2mun2 Gallery, owned by visual artist Ariel Guzmán, and the other at London House Academy, directed by James Bidlake-Corser.
Both places are on the same street and next to each other. Unsurprisingly, the burglaries brought the artist and the academy’s director together, particularly during the police investigation. Out of that shared experience—and amid the many questions that followed—they found themselves inspired to collaborate on a series of joint cultural events, and Britfest 2026 was born: an art exhibition focused on British themes, held at 2mun2 Gallery.
It is worth noting that, after the burglary, Ariel Guzmán created a painting in response to the experience. Although the piece is not part of the exhibition that opened last week, it reflects what happened and the feelings connected to it. The work is titled Robbery on Sunday.
Thus, as a direct consequence of those break-ins, Britfest 2026 opened last week. Organised jointly by 2mun2 Gallery and London House Academy, the exhibition is installed in Ariel Guzmán’s gallery space. The opening night was accompanied by Concorde HiFi, who curated a vinyl-only selection in keeping with the exhibition’s British theme.
The exhibition presents a wide range of images evoking some of the most well-known symbols of British culture, particularly from the twentieth century. What stands out is the perspective of the participating Mexican artists: a free and deeply personal interpretation of the United Kingdom, viewed through the lens of Mexican culture.
Among the figures represented are political and social icons such as Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and Diana, Princess of Wales—as well as characters from English literature, including Sherlock Holmes, Ophelia, and the animals from Animal Farm. The music scene is equally present, with portraits of John Lennon, Ozzy Osbourne, and Mick Jagger, among others.
Additional works focus on national symbols, such as the Union Jack in its vivid blues and reds, the lion linked to King Richard I, and the iconic clock tower commonly known as Big Ben. Other paintings recall the prehistoric monument Stonehenge and Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, formerly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even the quiet ritual of British afternoons finds its place in the exhibition, represented by the classic English teapot featured in one of the paintings. There are also nods to British music culture, such as “Octopus's Garden”, written by Ringo Starr, and the iconic zeppelin symbol associated with Led Zeppelin, one of hard rock’s most influential bands.
As for the artistic styles on display, they are as diverse as the artists themselves, as are the techniques they employ. The results are visually distinctive yet united by their shared theme. While blue and red stand out throughout the gallery, flashes of Mexico’s own green—emerging from brushes, looms, and camera shutters—frame and define the exhibition.
2mun2 Gallery will be open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., for the next two months. The gallery will be closed on Friday, the 20th, and Saturday, the 21st, due to another scheduled cultural event.
