Joven, 2022
Watercolors and Markers on print. Archival Pigment Print.
In the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Muxes are recognized queer members of the community. Their pre-colonial heritage dates back in Zapotec history. On a recent trip to Oaxaca, I reached out to fellow artists and active community members to celebrate their roots and identity as gender non-conforming folk.
Xaneri, a transgender graduate from Juchitan, has been recognized as an emerging textile artist, incorporating her traditional artisanal skills passed down by generations with her queer identity. She has shown in galleries throughout Mexico City after leaving Oaxaca for better academic and work opportunities. By tradition, Muxes are required to stay within Juchitan. They are prepared by their family in domestic duties and artisanal skills to provide care and sustainability to their parents until death. Xaneri is part of a few Muxes that hold on to their roots while breaking the molds of tradition. She pursues representation and rights for gender non-conforming folk and the displaced indigenous communities in Mexico.
"Joven" is an homage to youth and the transcendent work of Xaneri. This still-life is composed of various items that monumentalize her authenticity at such a young age. Her portrait, highlighted using watercolors and markers, was captured initially while riding a truck through a field of maguey. Maguey is harvested to create the elixir and liquor known as mezcal, including Joven Tobaziche. A mezcal produced from younger maguey plants. It is traditionally taken with a slice of orange.
The flattened stem watered by the smoke of the mezcal bottle is commonly known as "Lady of the Night." This cactus is known to grow up to 50 feet in height and have a flower that blooms annually at night, with each flower only lasting a few hours. The hummingbird is Xaneri's spirit animal. At birth, her guardian in health and life was assigned to her by the cosmos. It is known to share love and joy.
The "pozahuanco" laid across was handwoven by Xaneri, utilizing skills and methods passed down by multiple generations. Her portrait is framed by a "resplandor" lining, a traditional headpiece worn by Oaxacan women when attending mass or social events.
Price : $2000. DM the artist to purchase.
Zelle
Daniel Aros-Aguilar (he/she/them) is a queer artist born in Colombia, now based in Harlem. Daniel grew up in Florida, where their family immigrated seeking refuge. After graduating high school, Daniel transferred to BMCC in Manhattan. They became assistant to photographer Mike Ruiz. Later, began producing commercial and editorial work for Brianna Capozzi, Talia Chetrit, Danko Steiner, Miranda Lichtenstein, and Daniel Gordon. Daniel has shown at The Greenpoint Gallery, The Cohen Archive Gallery, The Untitled Space, and Humble Arts Foundation in New York. As well as the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art in Korea and The British Journal of Photography. Their work has been featured in Fotofilmic, Aint-Bad, Sensored, and Maake magazines. As well as digitally by InStyle, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and American Vogue. Daniel currently holds a residency at the Bronx River Arts Center and is a recipient of the En Foco Photography Fellowship, 2022.