I was born into a place where the world is made by hand. In that practice, art and life are braided from natural elements such as clay, paper, metal and plant fibers. Piñatas, canastas, mascaras, vasijas de barro, and other objects present in every Mexican household are made with these materials. They tell stories of everyday life entangled with symbolism and spiritual significance.
“Tlachihual” is the word in Nahuatl language used to describe a craft. Literally means home made and spell.
Mascara de diablito, CDMX (2024) - by Doña Ofelia, ‘maestra cartonera’ from a family of four generations of artists preseving the Mexican tradition of papel maché.
It is no coincidence that I recur to techniques that are anchored in my Mexican heritage to create sculptures and installations. I see these knowledges and methodologies as collective memory that help me keep the connection with the land and with the culture alive. The study of materials in my local environment is also core to my practice. I gather inspiration from the stories that intertwine humans and nature and the possibilities that exist in the dialogue that develops from these encounters.
