La Pari, 2024 by Itzel Vilches Serigraph Print, 20” x 28”
Acknowledging how language is a bridge for cultural connection has been the focus of my most recent work. Spanglish terms that are unanimous to South Texas, are the highlight of my print series. A modern Bauhaus typography style, when infused with vibrant indigenous Huichol yarn painting, color layering and Mesoamerican motifs, combine to serve as a camouflage for the words of each print. I weave past and present into this visual style, and challenge viewers to read past the graphics. Finding connections across the artwork simulates my experience of bilingualism. My intention is to project a sense of pride and even humor into this series, rather than shame and isolation that so frequently come with a lack of fluidity in Spanish. Approaching language with curiosity instead of intimidation is a way I hold on tight to my heritage. The title of the series “Como se dice?” channels this idea. La Pari (2024) celebrates our festive traditions and connections over food, drink and rituals.
Cosecha (Harvest), 2025 by Juan de Dios Mora Linocut, 15” x 22”
Amid the political turmoil and the need for workers to harvest crops and other goods, the impact has been significant on our agricultural sector and communities. This relief print depicts a farmer in the center holding a harvest basket, with one hand holding a cactus leaf. An arrow pierces both hands and the basket, symbolizing the emotional distress caused to farming communities. Beneath the basket, there is a cactus flower and leaf, representing the sprouting of new hopes and opportunities. A shell sits in the middle, while corn seeds emerge from the shell’s hole, symbolizing the endurance and protection that farmers need to provide for their families. Surrounding these objects are two hands that are at ease. On the left hand, a bean stem sprouts, while the right hand is pierced by a torch, representing resistance.
On the left side of the composition, the imagery represents life, while the right side symbolizes suffering. Hands are an important form of communication and essential for survival. The hand in the middle on the left side is entangled by some ropes and straps. On top of the hands, the straps hold a farmer’s basket from which a corn plant emerges. A hummingbird, a life provider and symbol of reproduction, faces a gorgojo (weevil), a pest; this scene represents life’s uncertainties. Underneath the hand, the ropes entangle a Piscador (corn picker). From the basket’s handles, a bean seed and a corn bunch hang. On the opposite side of the composition, on the right side, a hand holds hollow firewood that absorbs the torch fire. This represents unplanned events that may extinguish certain progress. On top of a hand is a pile of Guajes that are empty. A gorgojo insect’s exoskeleton surfaces from one of the guajes. Some cactus leaves hang from the guaje as a symbol of domination and frustration.
At the bottom of the composition, some objects form a holy half-moon shape. This symbolizes a new beginning and better times to come. Between the half-moon shape are a golondrina, the prey, and a crow, the hunter, with a banner that says Brotaremos (we will sprout) as a symbol of resiliency.
Tragaluz Vol II • No. 3
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