Origenes.
Mexico City, 2023.
"It is a fact that our origin defines us, it provides us with identity and personality, it urges us to give our first steps into what the rest of our lives will be like. Therefore, the place we come from leaves a permanent mark on us, it gives us strength, it binds us or sets us free."
This quote feels relevant to me and this project, I came across it while doing some research on the artists photographed in these series. It is true that our origins either strenghten the bond with our roots or set us free from it, in any way, our origins make an impact on us.
I spent a few weeks in Mexico City reconnecting with my roots going through an art-infused journey; During that time I had the opportunity to photograph five of Mexico City's most prominent artists, at work in their own studios and witness how their roots and origins have a impact in their artforms. These strong connections have inspired me to find some of the answers that I'm in search of but now, I have more questions..
Artist Joel Rendon makes an impression of Aztec deity Tlaloc.
Joel Rendon - Engraving.
He's currently working on the prehispanic board game Known as Patolli.
Joel Rendon working in his studio. At the bottom you can see his current project based on the prehispanic board game called Patoli.
Joel Rendon engraving work.
Joel Rendon tells me his story while he relaxes in his studio.
Joel Rendon plays the conch as a ceremony to help me reconnect with my roots.
Coral Revueltas working at her home studio in the south of Mexico City.
Coral Revueltas - Plastic Artist.
Her current work is inspired by the fact that there are over 200 extinct volcanoes in Mexico City and the surrounding areas. Her work re topographic interpretations of these volcanoes.
The natural lit studio of plastic artist Coral Revueltas.
Tools, ink and carved out PVC for Coral Revuelta's latest project.
Coral Revueltas applying ink to an engraving at her work bench.
Coral Revueltas shows me her process as she tells me details of her journey as an artist.
Coral Revueltas latest project has to do with the vast number of extinct volcanoes that remain in Mexico City and are unnoticed given the massive urban development of the city.
Juan Canfield is a celebrated sculptor from Mexico City
Juan Canfield -Sculptor.
Master Canfield is one of the country's most prominent and celebrated sculptors. He's currently working on private assignments.
Master canfield tells me the story when together with a group of fellow navigators built a replica of one of Columbus' ship and sailed for 6 months across the Atlantic to Spain.
Juan Canfield shows me wax models of his sculptures describing his creative process.
Bronze studios sit in his office.
Juan Canfield showing me details of models for his sculpture work.
His latest commission is a bust for a family friend.
Rocio Caballero shows me some of the "living dolls" she's created om her home studio.
Rocio Caballero - Painter.
Her latest work is from a series of thirty lessons that explore the psychology and morals of men in business and politics.
Rocio Caballero shows me two of her latest commissions for private collections.
Rocio at work testing some colour variations.
Rocio Caballero enjoys every moment of her creative process. Her work is based on sociual chritique especially for the social class division in Mexico.
Rocio Caballero's masks. She likes getting in character to present her latest work at galleries.
The characters in Rocio's work are inspired by personal life experiences .
Filogonio Naxin showing me a mural he created with the children who live in his community.
Filogonio Naxin - Painter.
Coming from the Mazatec region of Oaxaca, Filogonio's work is heavily influenced by his cuture's mithology and dream-like characters.
Filogonio is a Mazatec artist from the sierra in Oaxaca. This is his carnival outfit for the traditional celebrations in his home town.
Filogonio at work in his home studio.
Filogonio Naxin works on painting and engraving. His treats subjects of Mazatec mithology.
Filogonio Showing me some of his engraving work.
Filogonio Naxin outside his home-studio in Mexico City.
Next gallery
Precision, restrain, simplicty, and a good sauce