FEATURE:
Celebrating the Voices of Maya Women Artists
Multicolores’ artists honor their Maya ancestry and celebrate the natural world in an exhibition of hooked rugs, entitled Celebrating the Voices of Maya Women Artists.
The rugs in this exhibition are deeply personal. They embody the artist's heritage, identity, pride and artistic confidence, in artwork which is compelling, complex and colorful.
Each piece blends different symbols and elements from indumentaria maya (traditional Maya clothing), traditionally handwoven on a backstrap loom. With a nearly infinite variety of patterns, motifs, and color combinations infused with meaning and identity, indumentaria maya is one of the cultural treasures of Guatemala. It’s also a rich source of inspiration for Multicolores’ artists as they create new designs, interpreting traditional designs with an artistic twist.
Many of the pieces in this collection are inspired by Guatemala’s spectacular landscapes, natural beauty, and abundance of birds, flowers and animals. The artists draw on their traditions and belief systems, their deep respect for nature and their strong sense of place and belonging. The artist’s innovative medium, recycled fabrics, builds on a legacy of sustainability and stewardship of the land.
Through their work, these contemporary indigenous artists, steeped in ancient traditions of textile arts, are not only honoring their cultural traditions but creating a catalyst for positive social change in their families and their communities. Importantly, their art works serves as a path for economic and self-empowerment.
SPECIAL:
Loops Pulled on the Journey: Hooked Rugs Inspired by a Life on the Road
Janine Broscious has been hooking rugs for 11 years, with the last eight spent living as a full-time RVer. As she and her husband, Matt, travel across the USA and Canada, they’ve experienced countless adventures. Rug hooking on the road comes with its challenges, but it also provides endless opportunities for inspiration. Janine’s rugs capture the stories of their travels and reflect the natural beauty she’s encountered along the way.