Antigua, Guatemala

My most cherished project, “Las Mujeres Indígenas,” is a tribute to the Mayan women of Guatemala, whose textile craftsmanship has been a constant presence in my life. Inspired by the Mayan women's mastery of traditional techniques such as natural dyeing and backstrap weaving, I aspire to honor their artistry by photographing, and creating large-scale woven tapestries intertwining photographic transfers and cyanotypes of the remarkable women of Guatemala. The Mayan women textiles have been carried with me throughout life, and are the core memory I have associated with my childhood and mother’s culture. Even in the present day, these textiles persist as indispensable elements of my daily existence, functioning as links to a culture that frequently seems distant owing to geographical distance. Although my youthful admiration for these textiles primarily emanated from their visual allure, the passage of time has revealed a profound verity. The textiles meticulously crafted from the environment by the indigenous women encapsulate a significance surpassing simply artistic beauty; they embody instruments of economic sustenance, empowerment, and cultural expression.

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To mirror the techniques employed in indigenous Guatemala, I intertwine my own memories and identity through weaving my photographs with cyanotype-dying techniques, and combining the textiles made by the women I met through my experiences. Through this process, I create a unique tapestry that not only honors the legacy of the Mayan women, but also serves as a testament to their enduring spirit and deserving place in society. The art of weaving is an essential aspect of Guatemalan Mayan women's culture, representing a reflection of their ancestors' significance and simultaneously providing a viable source of financial support. However, the confines of a machismo-influenced society prevalent in indigenous Guatemala have impacted the role of textiles in Mayan women's lives. Given the scarcity of education opportunities for women, weaving often constitutes as the only available financial option, particularly as many women become mothers at a young age. Mayan women often encounter dismissal despite their pivotal roles as primary financial providers, caregivers, farmers, and artisans. This imbalance in societal recognition prompts an ongoing struggle for equality, although progress is gradual and continuous. Through my work, I celebrate their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to cultural preservation. I encourage viewers to engage in the history and enduring beauty the Mayan textiles hold.