"Vision, 2015" by Phyllis Martinez
Vision, 2015. Prismacolor on paper, 30” x 22”. $900.
Statement: My drawing explores syncretism between the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Aztec earth goddess Tonantzin, celebrating female divinity. The Baptist religion in which I was raised is so very hostile to all things female, even worship of the Virgin. I was moved by the reverence for Guadalupe in the Mexican family I have been part of for 40 years. The persistent veneration of female goodness and mercy was inspiring to me. Beginning with the book “The Aztec Virgin” and images from codices, I learned about Aztec dress at the time of the Spanish invasion, as well as glyphs, stars of the season and contemporaneous legends. The written record of Juan Diego’s description of his vision recalls an Aztec princess, full of light. I have tried to honor those words while creating my own vision.
Vision, 2015. Prismacolor on paper, 30” x 22”. $900.
Statement: My drawing explores syncretism between the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Aztec earth goddess Tonantzin, celebrating female divinity. The Baptist religion in which I was raised is so very hostile to all things female, even worship of the Virgin. I was moved by the reverence for Guadalupe in the Mexican family I have been part of for 40 years. The persistent veneration of female goodness and mercy was inspiring to me. Beginning with the book “The Aztec Virgin” and images from codices, I learned about Aztec dress at the time of the Spanish invasion, as well as glyphs, stars of the season and contemporaneous legends. The written record of Juan Diego’s description of his vision recalls an Aztec princess, full of light. I have tried to honor those words while creating my own vision.
Vision, 2015. Prismacolor on paper, 30” x 22”. $900.
Statement: My drawing explores syncretism between the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Aztec earth goddess Tonantzin, celebrating female divinity. The Baptist religion in which I was raised is so very hostile to all things female, even worship of the Virgin. I was moved by the reverence for Guadalupe in the Mexican family I have been part of for 40 years. The persistent veneration of female goodness and mercy was inspiring to me. Beginning with the book “The Aztec Virgin” and images from codices, I learned about Aztec dress at the time of the Spanish invasion, as well as glyphs, stars of the season and contemporaneous legends. The written record of Juan Diego’s description of his vision recalls an Aztec princess, full of light. I have tried to honor those words while creating my own vision.