| Women and Goddesses in Zihuatanejo |
by Huw Lewis
March 2003
Works by Arturo Macias, from right: Arcangelica, Adelita (the woman of the revolution) and Cihuatateo, (“noble woman”, representing the embodiment of the divine spirit that transports the soul of women lost in childbirth to the sun, with a link to Zihuatanejo in the origin of the name--Cihuatlan).
Zihuatanejo has, over the years, become somewhat of a haven for artists, and is increasingly being associated with art in all forms. In addition to the more generic Mexican craftwork available in the tourist market, such as Olinala laquer work and Talavera pottery, we now have far more opportunities for a more formal showcase of art in the area. The relatively recent opening and central location of most of the galleries, housing collections of local, indigenous and international artists’ work, has led to some welcome diversions from the usual shop ‘til you drop tour of Zihua town center.
One startling collection in particular has captured the imagination of many a shop weary visitor. A semi-permanent exhibition by one of Mexico’s foremost sculptors has recently been unveiled in Zihua’s Galeria Maya: Women and Goddesses of Mexico, by Arturo Macias. The thirteen large sculptures, mainly in wood, are based on Mexico’s pre-Hispanic belief systems and the more recent parts played by women, famous and infamous, in the struggle for equality and freedom in all areas of society.
Macias himself is a world renowned artist, named earlier this year by New York’s Art and Alliance as one of the top three most important sculptors in the world. Perhaps his most important recent accolade was 4th place honor in the Florence Biennale 2001, which he won for his piece “Maya.” Tiffany’s of New York purchased the rights for Third Millennium, his beautiful modern take on the crucifixion, in 2000, and in May this year he has a one man show in the Jadeite Gallery, Soho. Based for the last 45 years in Uruapan, Michoacan, Macias has been involved in the Mexican art world since he was a young architect, and has won most of Mexico’s major art prizes, include an “Ariel” (Mexican Oscar) for his film Anuandar Anapu. Macias’ work came to the attention of the owner of Galeria Maya, Tania Scales, during the holy week Feria in Uruapan, 1992. Macias helped set up the Feria 37 years ago and was one of the first to actively encourage and showcase indigenous work in the area by offering prizes for various categories of art. This nod to the rich indigenous heritage of Mexico has been a theme in most of Macias’ work, notably the Women and Goddesses collection.
Among the thirteen women portrayed in the works are a couple of figures recognizable to most people: Frida Kahlo and Adelita, woman of the revolution. Macias’ Frida is a beautiful work in old pine based on Kahlo’s self portrait of her body. Pinned by nails and her spine as an antique column, straight and old, Macias captures exactly the rigidity and pain in her crippled body. Adelita, woman of the revolution, is the only figure cast in bronze, and is portrayed with rifle, no shoes on her feet and an ear of maize in her hand. She symbolizes the revolution and the values and needs being fought for, which we today would take for granted. Seven of the pieces are representations of pre-Hispanic deities, including Ixchel, Mayan goddess of the moon, and Cihuatateo, the Nahuatl goddess of birth who has close ties to the Zihuatanejo area. All the women portrayed have played a huge part in making Mexico the beautiful, vibrant country it is today. Tania Scales, who assembled the collection in Zihuatanejo in the name of the Matriarch of Cihuatlan, is happy to share her knowledge of the works and the colorful role of women in Mexican history.
Galeria Maya, Cuauhtemoc 42, Centro Zihuatanejo. It’s not often you get the chance to see the work of an acknowledged master next door to a store selling bags made from bulls’ testicles, so take advantage while you can.
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