ONCA is delighted to present Ajoloteria, our 2024 Members’ Solo Exhibition by ecological artist, Anna-Marie Lamond. This project is concerned with the critically endangered Mexican Axolotl, an amphibian native to the socio-ecologically complex wetlands of Xochimilco, Mexico City.

Having lived in Mexico City, this exhibition consists of three years of research and making. Anna-Marie presents 40 ink and watercolour paintings in the format of the traditional card game Lotería to share the story of the human and non-human inhabitants of Xochimilco, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Xochimilco is home to a community of people who have lived from the fertile land for centuries, growing fruit and vegetables in the floating ‘chinampa’ island farms and more recently, providing tourism and eco-tourism services. The region supports a host of wildlife, including the critically endangered Mexican Axolotl. The neotenic amphibians live unmorphed underwater breathing through gills. With the alien-like power to re-grow limbs, cancer-fighting cells and on verge of extinction, it has never been more important to protect the small areas of its endemic ecosystem – for which for a multitude of complex socio-ecological reasons is under threat. 

This exhibition can be played as a game with copies of the printed cards, boards and an information booklet that allow audiences to learn more about the precarious situation of the shrinking ancient wetland as well as raising awareness of current conservation efforts of the wild Ajolote. Each picture-card invites audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the Mexican Axolotl and their socio-ecological environment. 

Join the launch party on Saturday 9 March, 4 -7pm to play Ajoloteria Lotería! Apply for ONCA’s 2025 Members’ Solo Exhibition open call by becoming a member.

About the artist

Anna-Marie Lamond studied BA Fine Art, UCA Farnham (2014) and MFA Fine Art, Goldsmiths, London (2019). After living in Mexico City for three years teaching Visual Art and running freelance workshops: she has returned to the UK, continuing to develop her ‘Slow Gaze’ drawing in nature classes. Exhibiting across the UK and internationally, she has completed residencies at Dumfries House, Scotland (2023), Guapamacataro Art & Ecology, Mexico (2021), Watts Gallery Artist Village, collaborating with artist Charlie Betts (2018), Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden (2017). Recent work from ‘Ajoloteria’ was shown in solo show at Na Tlali, Mexico City (2022) as well as in group exhibition ‘Re-examining Conservation’, Brown Arts Institute, Rhode Island (2022). Anna-Marie lives and works in Hampshire, and is the current Artist in Residence in the Fine Art Department, at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham.

Opening Times

Wednesday 6 March – Friday 8 March,  1:30 – 5:30pm

Exhibition Launch Party on Saturday 9 March, 4 – 7pm

Wednesday 13 March – Friday 15 March, 1:30 – 5:30pm

Wednesday 20 March – Friday 22 March, 1:30 – 5:30pm

Accessibility

This event is suitable for all ages. Our gallery is wheelchair accessible however the toilet is up five stairs. There are accessible toilets close by, please read more about visiting the gallery here. If we can support you with any access requirements please call 01273 607101 email .