MUXES
MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture,
World Premiered at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
~ June 2024 ~
Official trailer
"As part of my ongoing effort to celebrate and explore Mexican culture, I have been greatly inspired by Muxe - one-of-a-kind individuals who are assigned male at birth but grow up to dress and behave in ways traditionally associated with women. While there is some overlap with the transgender community, Muxe exist within a particular cultural context in Oaxaca, Mexico. They are not transgender women, as they don’t identify as women; they identify as Muxe. Juchitan de Zaragoza is the only place where you can find Muxes and their value is linked to the ancestral beliefs of the Zapotecan culture. This community has an innate and unique understanding of gender fluidity and social and sexual liberation tied to its roots as an indigenous culture of Mexico."
Hugo Ximello-Salido
Mexican artist
Mexican artist
MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture, the documentary tells Ximello-Salido's artistic journey through the perception of gender fluidity in the state of Oaxaca, directly connecting with his artistic approach through 2D & 3D artwork. Ximello-Salido’s Muxe series is currently being display in various galleries in the states of Tennessee, Kansas, Virginia, Missouri, New Mexico among others, moreover, one of his sculptural art pieces is currently included for display at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO from October 2023-September 2024.
From the Artist:
I first experienced Oaxaca, Mexico as a 15 year old, traveling from my home in Guadalajara during a crucial time in my discovery of my sexuality. The vibrant culture in Oaxaca informed my journey to self-acceptance.
Years later I would visit Oaxaca again - as an adult and an artist, now living in the American Southwest - and meet the Muxes. I encountered Felina and Rubi in Juchitan, and although I had little prior knowledge of Muxe and their culture, I was immediately struck by the enigmatic beauty and power that they brought to their daily lives.
I remembered my journey to Oaxaca as a young man and was immediately inspired to celebrate and share in this unique and vital community - a fusion of Zapotec culture and colonial influence that created a place where gender fluidity could blossom, where self-expression could create beauty, and where art and life could converge.
This meeting was the beginning of a new journey - an effort to learn about Muxe culture, appreciate its singular history and contemporary expression, and to help share its beauty with the world.
~ Documentary details & Streaming Instructions ~
Run Time: 1 hour & 45 minutes
Audio: English, Spanish & Zapotec Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish & Zapotec
~ STREAM NOW ~
the finesse of gender fluidity
Hugo Ximello-Salido
Mexican, born 1982
The Finesse of Gender Fluidity, 2023
Acrylic, ink, tinted resin, brass, copper tape, nailstacks, textiles (resplandor/huipil grande) copper lights, mixed media on canvas.
I am interested in the intersection of gender fluidity and cultural traditions. The huipil grande, or resplandor, is a majestic ancestral headdress of the indigenous Zapotec peoples of Oaxaca, Mexico. It crowns the exposed bones of the painted figure, echoing La Catrina, the sacred Día de los Muertos symbol, representing the duality of life and death. The lettering on the sides of the canvas acknowledges the presence of third-gender expression throughout the world, deeply inspired in particular by the Muxe, a third-gender in Zapotec culture.
Mexican, born 1982
The Finesse of Gender Fluidity, 2023
Acrylic, ink, tinted resin, brass, copper tape, nailstacks, textiles (resplandor/huipil grande) copper lights, mixed media on canvas.
I am interested in the intersection of gender fluidity and cultural traditions. The huipil grande, or resplandor, is a majestic ancestral headdress of the indigenous Zapotec peoples of Oaxaca, Mexico. It crowns the exposed bones of the painted figure, echoing La Catrina, the sacred Día de los Muertos symbol, representing the duality of life and death. The lettering on the sides of the canvas acknowledges the presence of third-gender expression throughout the world, deeply inspired in particular by the Muxe, a third-gender in Zapotec culture.
Previously exhibited at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
2023 ~ 2024
Currently displayed at The Kansas City Kansas Community College’s
permanent art collection.
~ October 2024 ~
2023 ~ 2024
Currently displayed at The Kansas City Kansas Community College’s
permanent art collection.
~ October 2024 ~
The eleven strings of alebrijes
$6,900
33" x 19" x 16" Oil. brass, copper, toothpicks, copper lights, pennies, Brazilian Real & mixed media on Arabic Oud, 2026 |
the alebrije composition of gender fluIdity
$4,900
23" x 13" x 10" Oil, copper, brass, toothpicks, copper lights, pennies & miles media on hand made copy of ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS Violin 1713 - West Germany - Facierbar Cremona, 2026 |
RESPLANDORES~
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz~
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la sangre de frida
$1,390
42"x 42" x2" Textiles, brass/copper, graphite & mixed media on resplandor, 2024 |
nezahualcoyótl |
oaxaca de juarez |
$1,390
42"x 42" x2" Textiles, brass/copper, graphite & mixed media on resplandor, 2025 |
$1,390
42"x 42" x2" Textiles, brass, graphite & mixed media on resplandor, 2025 |
carmen serdán
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hidalgo y costilla
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cuauhtémoc |
la catrina zapoteca |
$1,390
42"x 42" x2" Textiles, brass, graphite & mixed media on resplandor, 2025 |
$1,390
42"x 42" x2" Textiles, brass, graphite & mixed media on resplandor, 2025 |
Mango Piña |
copper crown |
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$1,900
30" x 24" x 15" Acrylic/ink, oil, palm tree & mixed media on canvas, 2022 |
$2,200
40" diameter x 10" Textiles, aluminum copper/mash, copper tape/nails & mixed media on zildjian/resplandor, 2023 |
Copper Fever |
Abstracto n.4 Gender Fluidity |
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$1,900
28" X 22" X 16" Aluminum copper sheet & copper coil, 2023 |
$2,500
28" x 22" x 16"
Ink, Copper tape/wire, aluminum/copper/mash, copper lights & rubies on (1958) hand made copy of ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS Cello -West Germany, 2023
28" x 22" x 16"
Ink, Copper tape/wire, aluminum/copper/mash, copper lights & rubies on (1958) hand made copy of ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS Cello -West Germany, 2023
Our Human Culture
$2,700
40" Diameter X 5"
Pastel/Ink/Acrylic, Brass/wire, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Wood panel, 2022
40" Diameter X 5"
Pastel/Ink/Acrylic, Brass/wire, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Wood panel, 2022
The Rythm of Gender Fluidity |
A note to gender fludity |
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$3,800
40" x 22" x10" Ink, copper, brass, stainless steel, bulb speaker, cymbal, aluminium & mixed media on banjo, 2025 |
SOLD
$2,200 15" x 21" x 10" Brass wire/copper coil, copper lights & Mixed Media on Brass Trumpet, 2022 |
Us
$1,400
16" x 14" x 5"
Pastel/Ink/Acrylic, Brass/wire, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Wood panel, 2022
16" x 14" x 5"
Pastel/Ink/Acrylic, Brass/wire, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Wood panel, 2022
Ladxido' de muxe
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Abstracto n.2 ~ Gender Fluidity$2,700
36" x 72" Acrylic/Ink Hammock textiles, & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2022 |
Abstracto n.3 ~ Gender Fluidity |
Abstracto n.1 ~ Gender fluidity |
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$1,900 36" x 24" X 7" Acrylic/Ink, Aluminum, Copper lights, Guitar strings, brass hinges & Mixed Media on Panel Wood, 2022 |
$2,500 20" x 40" x 17" Aluminum copper Sheet & Mixed Media, 2022 |
lluvia de oroThis artwork celebrates the respect for tradition and appreciation of culture that is present in the Muxe community in Juchitan de Zaragoza. The intricate golden headpiece, here adorning the widely respected Muxe Felina, is worn only on special occasions. The colors are inspired by the element of earth, symbolizing the deep roots of connection to local and national Zapotec traditions and customs. Unique materials, including leather and knitting needles, are used to create movement and texture. SOLD
$2,500 24" x 30" X 10" Acrylic/Ink, Leather, Sewing Needles & Mixed Media on Woods, 2022 Luminous Muxe
This painting represents the journey of accepting oneself, which can feel unattainable for some people. The diamonds are a reminder that the future looks promising even during times of adversity. Liquid gold and copper frame the portrait like a window, while the emanations of a black halo indicate evolution and self-respect. This respect is a hallmark of the Muxe community - they are respected by their parents, friends, and broader community. Ultimately, even when their identity is realized through hardship, a Muxe is always a blessing.
$2,500
72" x 35" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2020 The Radiance of gender fluidityThe Radiance of Gender Fluidity is a composition inspired by time, which (alongside culture and art) shapes our perception of gender and how we define it. The Resplandor is a regional garment worn in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in which intricate cotton lace patterns create an amazing display. By transforming the Resplandor, the artist is suggesting that we look at the influence of time within our cultures, shaping a map of anthropological awareness.
$2,500 40" Diameter X 7" Clock, Copper Lights, Acrylic & Mixed media on Zildjian/ Resplandor, 2021 The intricate soul of alebrijes
The Intricate Soul of Alebrijes is a piece dedicated to projecting the complexity and intricacy of an alebrije's soul. The artist hopes to help the viewer imagine its creation from beginning to end, just as an alebrije (traditional Mexican folk sculpture) changes and evolves rapidly through the carving and painting process. The soul of an alebrije is mystical and enigmatic, like the sparkles of light emanating from within the cello. By transforming the conventional physical structure of the cello, the artist bridges the contextual and non-contextual gap, creating an atmosphere of wonder and self-awareness of how the soul of an alebrije can be imagined.
SOLD ~ PUBLIC ART ~ Permanently Exhibiting at National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
$4,000 52" x 17" x 21" Ink, Coil, Copper Light, Steel & Mixed Media on Cello, 2021 MUXE MONARCA
Monarchs experience a complete transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. Muxes go through the same transformation to reveal who they really are - the adversity of this transformation is what makes them tough and resilient.
SOLD
$1,900 36" x 12" lAcrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2019 MUXE, MUXHE
With a corset made of Loteria cards, her expressive corporal position depicts a moment of joy and satisfaction, while figures based on water reflect a predominance of tranquility and calmness.
SOLD
$1,500 18" x 24" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2019 NI IDEA
This piece explores self-identification. The Catrina (elegant skull) seems confused at what box she fits. Her lack of skin emphasizes her confusion, since we all have the same bones and are the same inside.
$1,300
20" x 20" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018 genero-gender
This piece celebrates the discovery of self-identity within gender fluidity and emphasizes how gender can be appreciated from different perspectives.
$1,900
23" x 48" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018 |
muxhisimaThis piece is inspired by the vibrant resilience of the Muxe community. The artist has created a unique composition through a self-invented technique - the use of more than 25,000 toothpicks - showcasing the influence of Alebrijes (wooden Mexican folk sculptures). The intricate and elaborate result resonates with complexity, representing the ways gender fluidity and its infinite variations can be expressed on the canvas and in real life. The subject's mesmerizing gaze and sleek visage make this an exquisite piece of fine art. $7,000 24" x 30" X 7" Acrylic/Ink, Resin, Toothpicks & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2022 The Key of gender fluidityThis sculpture strives to teach us how gender fluidity can be perceived through an understanding of the Muxe community. Embracing a non-binary gender structure liberates our minds and elevates us to be more accepting of ourselves and others. The hammers of a piano are the key to this creation. The rectitude of our restrictive social norms can be seen at the beginning, transmuting throughout to end on a liberating, free note of fluidity. Gold represents the wisdom and beauty of our evolving views on gender.
$7,000
57" x 45" Wood, Copper/Brass Wire, Copper Lights, & Mixed Media on Piano Hammers, 2020 The path to gender fluidity~PUBLIC ART~
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All the material exhibited in this page belongs to its author, HUGO XIMELLO-SALIDO;
the use or exhibition of the material contained in this page without prior consent of its author is strictly prohibited.
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Todo el material expuesto en esta página le pertenece a su autor, HUGO XIMELLO-SALIDO;
esta prohibido el uso ó exposición del material contenido en esta página sin previo permiso de su debido autor.
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Tout le matériel exposé dans cette page appartient à son auteur, HUGO XIMELLO-SALIDO;
L'utilisation ou l'exposition du contenu de cette page sans le consentement préalable de son auteur est strictement interdite.