Yesenia Mejia Urieta
Location: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
GPS Coordinates: 41.8272060, -87.9322522
Hometown: Boston, Massachusets
Yesenia is a self-taught non-binary Mexican artist and community organizer based in Boston, MA. They deeply appreciate accessible graphic art techniques, paintings, and murals that reflect revolutionary history. Yesenia focuses on historical and political narratives, ancestral relations with the earth, and personal identity. Their work unites pre-Hispanic cultures, symbology, spirituality, internationalism, and personal memory through paintings. As a student of revolutionary movements, Yesenia draws inspiration from art that captures the culture of resistance and promotes the self-determination of oppressed peoples. Some of their artistic inspirations include Rupert García, José Clemente Orozco, Rufino Tamayo and Los Tlacolulokos.
Title of Work: Resistencia Guerrerense - Guerrerense Resistance
Description of Work: The focal subject of this piece is tecuani/jaguar mask and a tree of life. The artist is inspired by the preservation of culture and identity through traditions and artistic methods of archiving history.
In Guerrero, Mexico, the Tecuani mask symbolizes indigenous resilience in the face of colonial oppression, while the Tree of Life represents the interconnectedness of all living things, the cycles of life and death, and the continuity of existence. Both have a powerful representation of indigenous identity and resilience in the face of colonization.
Inspiration: The focal subject of this piece is tecuani/jaguar mask and a tree of life. The Tecuani dance, originating from Guerrero, Mexico, holds cultural significance as it symbolizes the struggle between indigenous communities and Spanish conquerors during colonial times. Tecuani means "jaguar" in Nahuatl, and the dance often portrays the jaguar as a symbol of strength and resistance against oppression. It's a powerful representation of indigenous identity and resilience in the face of colonization. The Tree of Life, or "Árbol de la Vida," is a prominent motif in Mexican culture, particularly in Guerrero. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living things, the cycles of life and death, and the continuity of existence. In Guerrero, artisans often craft intricate ceramic or wooden sculptures depicting the Tree of Life, adorned with figures representing various aspects of Mexican folklore, mythology, and religious beliefs. These sculptures are not only aesthetically beautiful but also serve as meaningful cultural artifacts, embodying the rich heritage and spiritual traditions of the region.
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Timeline of Events
Artists in Mexico have begun painting and 15 national artists will arrive in May of 2024 to paint 15 heads here in DuPage County on-site at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. This exciting international exhibition has already begun and will be completed in June of 2024.
Get Involved!
Artists can only participate by way of a sponsorship. Local, state and private institutions in the US or Mexico are invited to join in this unique opportunity to showcase modern-day murals reflecting Mexican American culture and regional interpretational art. We are confident that by participating in this project as a sponsor, you will be fulfilling the mission of your organization. Sponsors will be a part of a once in a lifetime opportunity to collaborate with multiple entities and organizations around North America, which can bring more awareness and support to your organization’s efforts. We are working together for one cultural, artistic, and educational purpose that will bring so many people together in a very unique way. Additionally, you will be supporting one of your local artists taking part in a major career opportunity that promises unique experiences, enhancement of their artistic skills, and a chance to display their talents on a monumental canvas. What an amazing opportunity!