Cancún, Quintana Roo — With the countdown to the World Cup underway, the Riviera Maya is blending soccer with art. The Gol-E-Arte exhibition has transformed Grand Outlet Riviera Maya into an open-air gallery featuring 12 monumental soccer balls painted by Mexican artists.
The pieces incorporate elements of Mexican identity, popular traditions, biodiversity, collective memory, and the passion for soccer. Artists used the spherical canvases to explore themes ranging from pre-Hispanic cosmology to national pride.
Carlos Sámano, assistant marketing manager at Grand Outlet Riviera Maya, said the initiative aims to offer a unique experience for both locals and tourists. “The artworks invite visitors to walk through the plaza, discover each piece, and engage with art in an accessible, playful format,” he said.
Notable works include “Ese Momento Mi Gente” by Erick Nadamás, which captures the shared emotion when a goal unites thousands of fans in celebration. Juan Latapí’s “El Balón del Recuerdo” pays homage to the memorable 1970 and 1986 World Cups held in Mexico, evoking nostalgia across generations.
Other featured pieces are “Gol Cósmico” by Shilling, inspired by pre-Hispanic cosmology and the feathered serpent god Quetzalcóatl; “Juego y Tradición” by Perla Crespo, which integrates symbols of Mexican culture; and “Paraíso Mexicano” by Mariana Arregui, a colorful celebration of the country’s natural wealth.
The exhibition is organized by GICSA and Locos por el Arte. Admission is free, turning the shopping center into a space where art meets the public and connects with audiences of all ages.
