A print of A Boy in Chamula : Chiapas, Mexico.

The original art work was created using a combination of gouache painting, letterpress printing, collage techniques, and sewing on translucent paper.

A Boy in Chamula : Chiapas, Mexico art work was a part of the exhibition

Hands, Hat and Heart

2019 at Erica Tanov Store, Berkeley California

A Boy in Chamula : Chiapas, Mexico

I experienced other parts of Mexico to be friendly and welcoming, but the mountain town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, and nearby villages of Chamula were something different. The mens’ straw hats, decorated with colorful ribbons, caught my eye. But the traditional vests for the men and skirts for women were made with thick sheep hair and looked heavy and dark. So too the energy of the place felt dark and introverted. This contrast between Mexico’s vibrancy and San Cristobal’s darkness is my strongest impression of this land.

A mother asked to take a photograph of me with her son. That’s when my heart felt warm and welcomed.