Myth and History

The paintings of the Myth & History series combine symbolic mythological and historical content to evoke the kind of contemplation traditionally elicited by religious art. Recognized religious images are presented in a way that considers where they come from and how they relate to previous images and traditions which have been replaced through historical—i.e. political—evolution. This perspective can also be applied to current history-in-the-making, much of which is advanced by appeals to religious belief and division. These early works, created in Oaxaca, Mexico, focus largely on the personification of feminine spirituality in Christian and indigenous Mexican traditions, and their impact on women’s roles and self-image. Each is based on a religious sculpture from the era of Spanish colonization, still residing in Oaxacan churches.

Painted mostly in Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca, Mexico, 2002 and 2005. Statements written about this work over that period of time can be found here. Next steps in this body of work can be found here.