- In the
Guatemalan highlands Lake Atitlán nestles between mountain cliffs to the north and three
volcanoes to the south. At the foot of these volcanoes are the Tz'utuhil Mayan speaking
towns of San Pedro la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán. The most colorful
of the contemporary Mayan artists of Guatemala work in these three towns. Their style is
pure Mayan, coming directly out of their experience and culture. All of these painters are
all self-taught, with little or no influence from western art traditions.
Each of the three featured artists, Lorenzo González Chavajay, Chema Cox and Pedro Rafael
González Chavajay, comes from very modest means. Their story is one of struggle and
courage, as they overcame significant hardships to become accomplished painters. Their
personal struggle mirrors the difficulties Mayan communities in Guatemala (and throughout
southern Mexico and Central America) have maintaining their identity in a rapidly
modernizing world. This includes their indigenous language (Tz'utuhil), religion (a
mixture of Catholicism juxtaposed with centuries old Mayan mythologies), and modest way of
life that harmonizes with nature.
We are fortunate that Lorenzo, Chema and Pedro Rafael have captured Mayan culture so
vividly in their art. In addition to providing us a glimpse into their unique life we can
appreciate their paintings for their vividness, modesty and harmony with nature- qualities
that transcend nationality and reverberate within all of us.
- Exhibition
sponsored by Thompson Hospitality & Compass Group
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Under the Volcano
Amit May Fine Arts