“Mujeres del Mais”was comissioned by New Orleans immigration Law office Gasparian & Spivey. It is an original and authentic piece, printed and created by Antonia Zennaro in collaboration with Guatemalan mayan artisan women.
Materials:
Handprinted photography on satin fabric, hand embroidered by Guatemalan Mayan women from Santa Clara Atitlán, Sololá region, dried corn sticks
collaborating Artisans:
Justa Rufina Escobedo Tzaj, Lucía Tó Chacom, Flor de María Godoy, Lesbia Damaris ChacomEscobedo, Lucia Natalia Pos Masariegos, Clara Chacom Santos, Mari Chacom Santos, Kembli Veliz Vásquez, Lisbet Ecomac Vicente, and Vilma Ecomac Vicente.
Dimensions:
10 feet (height) x 12 inches (width) , 3 pieces in total
Description:
This unique collaborative artwork is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of Mayan women artisans from Santa Clara Atitlán, Sololá. Each woman has embroidered her own story onto the satin fabric, weaving colorful tales that reflect their lives, culture, and surroundings. Their mastery of thread is a powerful means of communication, creativity, and livelihood amidst challenging agricultural labor. The piece not only embodies their artistic tradition but also serves as a vital cultural bridge,preserving Mayan wisdom and narratives during a time when half of their village’s population faces migration pressures.
“On Japonica” is a reflection on both the past and present of a unique New Orleans neighborhood. Through this piece, I aim to capture the essence of Japonica street, that has seen much change over time, yet remains rooted in its vibrant history. The floating mobile I’ve created is a visual narrative—each handprinted photograph on organza fabric brings archival images of New Orleans’ past, inviting viewers to witness the history of the land, the people, and the events that shaped this resilient city.
The piece pays homage to what once was: the old SPCA, which brought shelter and care to our animal companions, and the working-class communities that thrived in the backstreets of New Orleans. It is also a tribute to the natural beauty of the area, where the Mississippi River, the bridges, and the flowers and trees continue to be vital witnesses to the passage of time.
Made with a delicate combination of fabric and crystal beads, the mobile dances with the wind and creates shifting shadows when touched by sunlight—just as New Orleans itself constantly evolves, shifting between memory and the present moment. This work invites you to pause, observe, reflect, and connect with the layered stories of those who have lived here and continue to shape this city.
May “On Japonica” inspire a deeper understanding of the resilience and beauty that defines New Orleans, and encourage an appreciation for the stories that make this city so uniquely its own.
ON Japonica, free floating mobile, hand printed organza fabric, glassbeads, colored filters, 21’x3’x10’, completed 2024 commission for www.staymarais.com
