Darryl Richardson is a lens-based visual artist working across documentary portraiture and experimental filmmaking. His practice explores race, identity, and belonging within the Black diaspora, challenging conventional representations through a nuanced use of light, color, and texture. He is also the founder of FÁBRICA, a multifunctional space dedicated to intimate experiences, honest exchange, and creative collaboration across art, food, and music.
During Art Week, FÁBRICA presents LA SALA, a multisensorial living-room-style exhibition created in collaboration with Johnathan Bailey, reinforcing Richardson’s commitment to connection and inclusivity through design.
For Darryl Richardson, Mexico City extends far beyond the familiar enclaves of Condesa, Roma, and Juárez. His city is defined by its layered histories, shifting light, and social rhythms—from the volcanic architecture of Museo Anahuacalli to spaces like Azotea. Food, dance, and community are central to how he experiences the city, grounding his creative life in the people and cultures that have shaped it over time.
FÁBRICA, Installation Shot of “La Sala,” 2026. Courtesy of FÁBRICA.
FÁBRICA, Installation Shot of “La Sala,” 2026. Courtesy of FÁBRICA.
WHITEWALL: Where to find inspiration?
DARRYL RICHARDSON: Every inch of the city is insanely inspiring, especially when you step outside of the main bubble of condesa, Roma and juarez. The design ingenuity around the city, the way the light ignites the cities colors around sunset, how lush the city is, and the warmth of the people leave me inspired on the daily. All I have to do is step outside.
WW: Favorite place to see art?
DR: Museo Anahuacalli – visiting this Diego Rivera designed museum is a must. It was built to house his extensive pre-columbian sculptures. And the surrounding gardens are equally impressive.
Azotea – for stunning contemporary Afro-Colombian designs. I love the founder’s, Esteban Caicedo, approach to azotea’s showroom. There’s a warmth to it that feels very aspirational. He collaborates with other designers and galleries to create a very robust space showcasing what’s hot within contemporary Latin art and design.
Mariane Ibrahim gallery – for seeing global diasporic narratives within contemporary art. They feature top artists working in a multitude of disciplines from painting to photography and the shows are all housed in an immaculate space which includes a bookstore and cafe restaurant Pánuco 36.
Jazz Grant’s artwork at LA SALA, “Sanctum.”
Eny Parker’s artwork at LA SALA, “Sanctum.”
“Every inch of the city is insanely inspiring.”
-Darryl Richardson.
WW: Best neighborhood vibe?
DR: Vaya vaya Tacubaya.
WW: Best-kept secret?
DR: Fábrica.
WW: Best meal?
DR: Expendio de maíz – hands down. It’s the only place in the city with traditional Afro-Mexican recipes on the menu. The cook and owner Jesus Tornes’ family is from Costa Chica de Guerrero – an area of Mexico with the highest population of afro-descendants. They are a family of farmers so a good amount of expendio’s ingredients and recipes come directly from them.
Mexico City in 24 Hours with Darryl Richardson
MORNING: I like my mornings pretty slow, but, if I have to be out of my studio running around for meetings or work related things I make sure to stop at Cafe Trucha for a tea and scone.
NOON: Record shopping at Hule, quick stop into MASA gallery, then comida corrida lunch at Las Cazuelas de Chabela.
NIGHT: The night will start with dinner at Charco in centro – the views and vibe is A1. Then headed to Bar Abierto for drinks. The night will end with a little salsa groove at Barba Azul.
The Best of Mexico City According to Darryl Richardson
1. Azotea
Courtesy of Azotea.
Azotea is a by-appointment design studio and showroom in Mexico City dedicated to regenerative design, showcasing hundreds of upcycled and original furniture pieces. Rooted in reuse and collaboration with local artisans, Azotea gives furniture a second life through thoughtful craftsmanship and personal expression. During Art Week, it also hosts LA SALA, transforming the space into a living-room-style gallery for art, design, and cultural exchange.
2. Anahuacalli Museum
Image courtesy of @oliveh10 on TripAdvisor.
“The CDMX Diego Rivera–Anahuacalli Museum, located in Coyoacán, south of Mexico City, was conceived by Diego Rivera to house his collection of pre-Hispanic art and bequeath it to the people of Mexico. Its architecture, built with volcanic stone from the Pedregal, creates a unique space where art, architecture, and nature interact.” -Anahuacalli Museum.
3. Café Trucha
Courtesy of Café Trucha.
Courtesy of Café Trucha.
Café Trucha is a cozy neighborhood café in La Roma, known for their coffee, pastries, and farm-fresh breakfasts. By evening, the mood shifts to natural wines, ciders, and small plates. A block from the park, it’s a go-to for floral-decorated naked cakes and picnic-ready treats.
