Presentation: We are five artists from Oaxaca, whose lives have been profoundly influenced by the culture and in particular the concept of the Guelaguetza in which giving and receiving play a critical role of creating and maintaining community. Unlike barter, where a transaction is agreed upon upfront—where I give you something and you get something in return, in a Guelaguetza you contribute when needed, knowing that at some point, something will come back to you when you need it. It is an act of generosity and of faith which fosters reciprocal relationships that underscore our interdependence and responsibility to one another.

Inspired by this concept, we co-created a multi-media exhibition exploring our reciprocal relationship with nature. Our artworks explore the deep connection between humans and the natural world, from birth to death, highlighting how intertwined we are with the cycles of life. Through these works, we invite reflection on the consequences of disrupting this harmony and urge a collective effort to rebuild it. We hope this presentation can inspire conversations and actions that honor the spirit of Guelaguetza, nurturing a sustainable future where giving and receiving are in balance with the rhythms of nature.

Presenters:

Miriam Campos is a third-generation embroidery artist from San Antonino Castillo Velasco in Oaxaca. She and her family are known for their signature designs and colorful floral embroidery used in their traditional clothing. Miriam's mother Reyna Cornelio, grandmother Virginia Sanchez, and all her aunts are established designers and embroiderers. Miriam has exhibited in museums nationally and internationally including the Rufino Tamayo Museum in Oaxaca, Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, New York Botanical Garden, and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C.

Alejandro Jiménez Molina is a sculptor, puppeteer, actor and set designer. From a young age Alejandro helped in his father’s workshop where learned the craft of wood carving. In the 1980´s he took up acting and toured in various parts of Mexico. In 1987 he moved to Italy where he was recognized for his versatility in sculpture and knowledge of materials and set designs. He returned to Oaxaca in 2009 where he continues to develop theatrical performances and sculpt fine art pieces, puppets, marionettes related to classical literature and Mexican culture. He experiments every day, looking for new forms, stories and ways to share ideas from his active imagination.

Carolyn Smythe Kallenborn, Professor Emerita from the University of Wisconsin, is an internationally acclaimed artist working with textiles, film, installation, and community projects. Kallenborn has been teaching, learning, and collaborating with artisans in Oaxaca since 2004. She has been a cultural, artistic, and technical guide for students, interns, academics, artists, and artisans. Through exhibitions and her documentary films Woven Lives and La Vida y Los Muertos, she is a global advocate for Oaxacan culture. Her award-winning collaborative work with artisans has been shown extensively including galleries and museums in the U.S., Mexico, and China.

The exhibition also includes work by Ana Paula Fuentes (Oaxaca) and Tito Mendoza Ruiz (Teotitlán del Valle)