A Mayan Tapestry

On exhibit June 23 – July 26, 2017
Opening Reception: Friday, June 23, 6-7:30PM

The Grady Alexis Gallery at El Taller Latino Americano is pleased to present “A MAYAN TAPESTRY – Traditional and Contemporary paintings from Guatemala,” an exhibition of paintings by Guatemala-based Mayan artists Angelina Quic Ixtamer, Juan Carlos Chavajay, Ottoniel Chavajay, Mariano Chavajay, Vicenta Coche, Gregorio Coche Mendoza, Humberto Cortez, Lorenzo Cruz, Pablo Horacio Cruz, Pedro Gonzalez, Mario Gonzalez Chavajay, Diego Gonzalez y Gonzalez, Henry Mendez Chavajay, Juan Edwin Perez Medina, Vicenta Puzul and Noe Yojcum.

The exhibition features traditional and contemporary paintings by Mayan artists from Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and includes a diverse collection of vibrant works exploring connective threads between the deep roots of this ancient culture and their ability to adapt and survive through the Spanish Conquest, a brutal civil war and the influences of the modern world.
Many of the artists draw upon the colorful patterns of the traditional textiles of the region and their rich natural environment and are also known for their unique art naïf style.

In Mayan Cosmology, the Goddess Ixchel - the weaver, is believed to hold the world together and maintain the continuum with her weaving. The Mayan Calendar recognizes change and the cyclical nature of life. In view of these systems of thought, this show poses the question: How can traditional ways of life, essential values and the timeless wisdom of ancient cultures survive in this era of globalization?

The show is curated by Andrea Arroyo in collaboration with Imre and Lorna Kepes of the Guatemala Art and Culture Connection whose mission is to utilize art as a means of connecting people across borders and cultures. The project also helps support the artists and local programs.

El Taller Latino AmericanoJune 1, 2017June 2017