Founder of The Bailey Gallery, Johnathan Bailey, approaches Mexico City as both a cultural compass and a community hub. As the interior designer for FÁBRICA’s inaugural LA SALA presentation, Bailey partnered with the organization to curate and design its first “living room gallery,” translating values of intimacy, connection, and inclusivity into a warm, immersive environment. His work continues to champion collaboration, particularly by amplifying underrepresented Black and Brown voices within the design industry.
With the city in focus during ZsONA MACO, Johnathan Bailey gravitates toward galleries that feel both rigorous and human, citing time spent at Mariane Ibrahim Gallery as a recurring source of inspiration. Beyond exhibitions, his days unfold through the city’s cultural layers—digging through vinyl at Revancha, stopping for wine and DJ-led evenings at Salón Palomilla, and embracing the constant exchange that defines the city. For Jonathan Bailey, Mexico City’s energy lies not only in its art and food, but in the relationships formed through it.
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?
JOHNATHAN BAILEY: Inspiration, for me, is lived rather than searched for.
It comes from daily experience; how light moves through a room in the morning, conversations shared over long meals, the textures and rhythms of the cities I pass through. Travel has always been a catalyst, but equally important is community: the constant exchange of ideas with creative friends and family who challenge, support, and expand the way I see the world.
Relocating to Mexico City a few years ago deepened this relationship with inspiration. The city’s energy, its layered history, and the vibrancy of its people create a constant sensory dialogue. There is an undeniable pulse here—color, movement, sound, and craft intersecting in a way that feels both grounded and electric. That environment produces a natural dopamine for me; it keeps me curious, emotionally engaged, and creatively awake.
At its core, my inspiration is rooted in presence. By staying open to my surroundings, honoring lived experiences, and remaining in conversation with the people and places that shape me, creativity becomes a continuous lesson rather than a fleeting moment
WW: Favorite place to see art?
JB: One of my favorite places to experience art is Mariane Ibrahim Gallery.
It has become a vital space for encountering both established and emerging voices from Mexico and the African diaspora. The gallery’s programming feels intentional and deeply rooted—each exhibition offering not just visual impact, but cultural and emotional resonance.
Beyond the work itself, the sense of community cultivated there has been especially meaningful. Having the opportunity to engage with and preview artists such as ClotildeJiménez, Salah ELMUR, and Amoako Boafo has been a true privilege. These moments—where dialogue, representation, and artistic excellence intersect—have made the gallery one of the most inspiring places for me to experience art in the city.
WW: Best neighborhood vibe?
JB: My favorite neighborhood vibe is defined by how it moves from day to night.
During the day, I love spending time at Revancha, my friend Manuel’s record store. He’s created a relaxed, soulful environment where Afro-Latino, Caribbean, and African vintage jazz fills the space. It’s the kind of place where you can sink into a sofa, get some work done, or simply let the music guide the mood.
By night, I’m drawn to Salón Palomilla. It’s the perfect place to wind down—great wine, some of the city’s best local DJs, and an interior that frames one of the most striking views in the city. Together, those spaces capture what I love most: community, sound, design, and atmosphere all working in conversation.
FÁBRICA, Installation Shot of “La Sala,” 2026. Courtesy of FÁBRICA.
FÁBRICA, Installation Shot of “La Sala,” 2026. Courtesy of FÁBRICA.
“There is an undeniable pulse here—color, movement, sound, and craft.”
-Johnathan Bailey.
WW: Best-kept secret?
JB: If I gave it away, it wouldn’t be a best-kept secret—so I’ll say this lightly.
When people come to Mexico City, they often gravitate toward the usual salsa spots. Those places have their charm, but if you’re willing to venture a bit beyond Condesa and Roma, there’s another rhythm waiting.
A short drive out brings you to Barba Azul, where the energy shifts in the best way. It’s one of my favorite places to experience live mariachi, Banda Sinaloense, and regional son—music that feels deeply rooted, celebratory, and unapologetically alive. It’s less about being seen and more about being present, which is what makes it special.
WW: Best meal?
JB: Hands down, the best meal in the city is at Masala y Maíz.
My friends Norma Listmanand and Saqib Keval have created something truly special. The restaurant is rooted in a concept they call rebellious mestizaje—a fearless fusion of Indian, Mexican, and East African culinary traditions that reflects both their personal histories and a broader cultural dialogue.
The food is layered, soulful, and intentional. Dishes like suadero samosas or grilled prawns with vanilla butter feel familiar yet entirely new, carrying memory, migration, and experimentation all on one plate. Being recognized by the Michelin Guide speaks to the craft, but what really sets Masala y Maíz apart is its spirit—its commitment to social and environmental justice, and the generosity of the people behind it.
Norma and Saqib are beautiful humans who create space, conversation, and energy wherever they go. Every meal there feels alive, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
24 Hours in Mexico City With Johnathan Bailey
Courtesy of Johnathan Bailey.
FÁBRICA, Installation Shot of “La Sala,” 2026. Courtesy of FÁBRICA.
MORNING: The day always starts with movement. First stop is Sports World—it’s my home gym, and they offer day passes, which makes it easy for visitors to drop in and reset. If the gym isn’t your thing, a long walk through Chapultepec Park is just as grounding—there’s no better way to ease into the city’s rhythm. After that, breakfast and coffee at Niddo is non-negotiable.
NOON: If I’m in work mode, I’ll post up at Por Kilo—a great place to take calls, get some work done, and still feel connected to the city. Lunch is usually at Sukai, one of my go-tos. From there, I’ll stop by Azotea to check on client orders and catch up with my friend Esteban—they consistently have some of the best furniture in the city. Since I’m nearby, I’ll swing through Fabrica to connect with the friend and owner, Darryl, and see which new artists he’s bringing into the Mexico City art conversation.
NIGHT: As the evening settles in, my wife Diamond and I love dinner at Alfil Restaurante—it’s intimate, thoughtful, and always hits the mark. To close out the night, we’ll end up at Café de Nadie for a nightcap. It’s the perfect balance of sound, energy, and atmosphere—an ideal way to let the city carry you into the night.
The Best of Mexico City According to Johnathan Bailey
1. Chapultepec Park
Image courtesy of seekingskyblog on TripAdvisor.
“A huge green space at the heart of Mexico City, Chapultepec Park (or Bosque Chapultepec) is a popular area for chilangos and visitors alike to enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions. There are a host of important museums here, an internationally renowned zoo, monuments, fountains and areas for cultural exhibits.” -Chapultepec Forest Trust.
2. Masala y Maíz
Courtesy of Masala y Maíz via Instagram.
Courtesy of Masala y Maíz via Instagram.
“Always buzzing, Masala y Maiz draws curious diners eager for a taste of this highly original cuisine. Chefs Norma Listman and Saqib Keval cook with a seamless style, effortlessly blending African, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. This is food that leaves a lasting impression, as in samosas tucked with suadero or potato with pepitas and topped with vibrant sauces. Superb prawns from Veracruz are grilled aggressively and come with melting butter infused with vanilla, while chilpachole, a red-hued seafood stew from Veracruz, is revamped with a tamal colado and softshell crab. The meal concludes on a strong note with a rich, fudgy chocolate tamal offset with fresh orange supremes, avocado mousse, and pistachio and rose powders.” -Michelin Guide.
3. Mariane Ibrahim Gallery
Carmen Neely, “Righteous defensiveness,” 2021. Courtesy of the artist and Mariane Ibrahim.
Carmen Neely, “never as opaque as you imagine,” 2025. Detail. Courtesy of the artist and Mariane Ibrahim.
“Mariane Ibrahim is pleased to present a solo exhibition with Carmen Neely entitled, a trace beyond the life of the body, in Mexico City. Marking the artist’s first solo presentation in Latin America and her third with the gallery, the exhibition unfolds at a focal moment in Neely’s practice, as she now divides her time between Chicago and Mexico City.” -Mariane Ibrahim Gallery.
