Celebrating 15 Years of Andares: A Conversation on Art, Identity, and Innovation in a Leading Retail Centre

Andares is more than just a retail centre—it’s a vibrant destination that has shaped everyday life in Guadalajara, Jalisco, for the past 15 years. Spanning 1,420,834 square feet, this luxury complex is a hallmark of modern living, combining retail, dining, working, and living spaces into a cohesive experience. To mark its 15th anniversary, Andares took the initiative to reinvent Octavio Abundez’s iconic outdoor artwork into an immersive art installation.

MASSIVart had the privilege of designing and producing this temporary installation, titled “Suspended Moments.” The installation reimagines the passage of time through spontaneity, using a canopy of suspended acrylic droplets to create a kaleidoscopic landscape of light and colour. This evolving visual experience celebrates Andares’ legacy, offering visitors a memorable and profound connection to the space.

In this Q&A, we explore the significance of this milestone and the role of art in shaping the Andares experience. We are joined by Arturo Navarro, General Manager of Andares, and Alejandra Torres, Manager of Innovation & Brand at Andares, who share their insights on the impact of art in a retail environment and their vision for the future.

What does this anniversary of Andares represent for you, and why did you choose to celebrate it with an art installation?

Art, for us, is an inexhaustible source of peace and respite in hectic days, and we hope that our visitors will find just that in this installation. It is a gift from Andares to the millions of people who will visit us in the coming months, giving them a unique memory of their visit to Guadalajara and Andares.

Can you describe Andares’ philosophy of integrating art and creativity into the mall environment?

In a globalized world, it is necessary to maintain elements that transform physical spaces into unique and unrepeatable places. This is the value that art provides us.

How do you see the role of art installations like “Momentos Suspendidos” in enhancing the overall shopping experience at Andares?

These types of installations complement the shopping experience, transforming it from a simple “acquisition” to a collection of feelings and sensations. If we manage to deliver an installation made with passion and attention to detail, we can remain in visitors’ memories for the rest of their lives.

Could you share the tangible and intangible benefits you have noticed these types of initiatives bring to Andares (the place, the visitors, the staff)?

Tangible Benefits:
We’ve seen a real boost in foot traffic around the installation areas.
The visual appeal of our spaces has improved significantly.
Our brand positioning and reputation have gotten a positive lift.

Intangible Benefits:
The mood among visitors is incredible; these installations light up faces with joy, excitement, and surprise. It doesn’t matter the age, language, or why they’re visiting—everyone feels the magic.

What is your “secret” to creating captivating and high-value spaces? What have you noticed attracts people to a space?

Creating somewhat “unexpected” installations that break away from the norm. Each installation involves research with questions like: What is happening in the city and the world? What are the trends? What do our visitors like/need? What do we want to contribute or offer with this activation?

At MASSIVart, we believe that art that tells stories connected to the identity of the place where it is integrated also creates conversations among visitors and offers good marketing opportunities (PR, word-of-mouth, social media). What are your thoughts on this?

Definitely, especially the part about identity. For Andares, art is a way to express our purpose with the local community.

Photos by Daniel Pérez