"The Maya people viewed the universe as a unified whole
where everything is interconnected—individuals, community, nature, and spirituality—all profoundly linked. This understanding fosters the belief that actions impact others, encapsulated in the saying “You are my other self.” The phrase "In lak'ech, Hala ken que" expresses this ideology of unity.
In my pop art piece, I explore Mexican duality by referencing Frida Kahlo's "The Two Fridas" and presenting two significant figures in Mexican history: General Porfirio Díaz, a dictator known for both progress and inequality and Licenciado Benito Juárez, the first indigenous president, celebrated for his contributions to sovereignty and liberal ideals. These characters symbolize the political divisions in Mexico— right vs. left, and the rich vs. the poor. The persistent inequality breeds antagonism, as those at the bottom view those at the top as enemies, while vice versa. My work emphasizes that both Díaz and Juárez, descendants of Zapotec people, share common roots as Mexicans, highlighting our collective identity and the need for unity despite differences."
R. Landini