MUXES
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.
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.
$7,500
72" x 35" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2020 The Radiance of gender fluidity
The 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.
$6,500 40" Diameter Clock, Copper Lights, Acrylic & Mixed media on Zildjian/ Resplandor. 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.
$8,000
52" x 17" x 21" Ink, Coil, & 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.
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$2,000 36" x 12" Acrylic, 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.
$2,100
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.
$1,000
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.
$1,200
23" x 48" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018 |
The Key of gender fluidity
This 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.
$8,000
57" x 45" Wood, Copper/Brass Wire & Mixed Media on Pino Hammers, 2020 The acoustics of gender fluidity
This always-evolving cello portrays a complex, yet easy to appreciate idea about the fluidity of gender. The candlelight emanating from the instrument suggests a calming sensation, while sound coming from the cello invites the viewer to approach. Golden thorns illuminate a perfect combination of attraction and guardedness towards the spectator. This piece plays with the acoustics of gender fluidity, starting internally and then with how the sound is perceived - the fluidity of gender has never had better acoustics. The golden mesh and intricate thorn weaving represent how gender can be complex yet understandable.
$8,000
72" x 36" x 32" Wooden Thorns, aluminum mash & brass/coil on Base, 2020 Perpetual radiance
Perpetual Radiance is directly inspired by the Muxe Amitai. In the piece she showcases the traditional resplandor, possibly one of the most elaborate, high fashion garments in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This three dimensional, mesmerizing, and dramatic piece evokes the balance between uniqueness and tradition. Amitai's face is framed in a crown reminiscent of lace, the cubist composition creating movement and an intriguing perception of gender fluidity. The headpiece represents the layers of millenia gathered around evolving culture and tradition.
$4,500
36" x 36" Acrylic/Ink, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2021. Golden RAtion-MUxe
The artist’s self-portrait as reflected through the Muxe (third gender) culture. The special animal is the being that guides him through life, in this case the golden swan, which reflects purity, veracity, and beauty just as the mathematical expression the Golden Ratio does.
$2,500
36" x 24" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2020 MUXE
Rooted in the Muxe (third gender) community, this work explores the ancient concept of self-discovery - the celestial cards explain a divine providence.
$4,500
30" x 48" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018 THE TUNING OF GENDER FLUIDITY
This sculpture is part of a series of works exploring gender fluidity. The de-constructed and re-configured manner of presenting the fiddle suggests how our perceptions of gender can be tuned just like an instrument. The light emanating from the body of the instrument depicts a breakthrough in this boundary as we achieve a better understanding of the many, equally valid ways gender can be expressed and perceived.
$3,500
26" x 18" Violin, brass/Copper wire, Mixed media on Antique Wooden Table, 2020 |
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.