Xochiquetzal

A piece for the art exhibition "Féminas Virtudes" in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

November 25th, 2011, Toluca, Mexico.


"Butterflies, those graceful and light insects, symbol of Nature’s beauty and metamorphosis, are so often associated with women in many cultures throughout the world.
This work is inspired by ancient Aztec mythology. It represents two butterfly deities who played an important part in the religion and everyday life of people:

Xochiquetzal (Flower Feather), the ever young and pretty goddess of flowers, beauty, love, fertility and the symbol of female sexual power. She is associated with the concepts of marriage, children and family values. She is also considered as the protector of young mothers and the patroness of pregnancy, childbirth and all kind of crafts practiced by women such as weaving and embroidery. She was always followed by a retinue of butterflies and birds.

Using those two symbols was, at the first place, my way to depict a woman’s life and personality, through this concept of duality between light and darkness, fragility and power"