The Harvest
2019
Acrylic on canvas
90 x 90 cm
Inspired by Salvadoran art, Mayan mythology and the contemporary feminist movement. This piece represents empowerment and the rewards of cultivating your divine feminine.
The creation of this piece was an intricate interplay of various artistic influences across different eras. I based myself on inspiration from pre-colonial art to the nuanced styles of the 20th century, contemporary figure illustration, and printmaking.
In my exploration of Salvadoran art, I found a profound connection with the theme of social realism and identity. During my involvement in designing the 'Diálogos En El Arte Salvadoreño' catalog in December 2017 for the Museo de Arte de El Salvador, I truly delved into the depth of this theme, thanks to the insightful analysis provided by the curator Rafael Alas. Alas' perspective illuminated the significance of this theme within Salvadoran Art, uncovering its exploration of cultural heritage, landscapes, and the essence of the nation. The artists associated with the 'Escuela Nacional de Artes Gráficas' particularly resonated with this theme. Many of them had received their artistic training in Mexico during the mid-20th century, where they were exposed to the influences of postrevolutionary art and muralism.
Their artworks became a canvas for revolutionary narratives, championing the working class and venerating Mexico's pre-Hispanic legacy. Their focus on authentic cultural identity and departure from conventional realism and academic norms made their creations distinctive and evocative.
The works of artists like José Mejía Vides, Luis Alfredo Cáceres Madrid, Luis Ángel Salina, Zelié Lardé, and Toño Salazar were pivotal in shaping my artistic journey. Vides' depiction of indigenous quotidian life and relationship with the land resonated with me deeply given my interest in the traditional communities of the country. Lardé's visual style, reminiscent of the Primitivism seen in Gauguin and Picasso, employed bold shapes and outlines, often depicting humans in harmony with nature.
Echoes of modernist enthusiasm, particularly my all-time favorite iconic paper cut figures by Henri Matisse focusing his bold female nudes, found their place in my artistic expression, bringing a contemporary twist to the play of negative and positive space of screen-print-like aesthetics.
Furthermore, contemporary illustrators Filippa Edghill and Maggie Stephenson, celebrated for their thought-provoking portrayal of the female form on social media, provided me with an additional layer of inspiration to embrace femininity in the curves of a woman’s body.
The synthesis of these multifaceted influences culminated in a creation that honors historical roots while resonating with contemporary dynamism.
