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.
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
MUXE MONARCA
Currently Exhibiting at Cafe Trio until November 22rd.
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.
$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.
$900 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
Currently displaying at Cafe Trio on the Plaza until November 22nd
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" Pino Hammers, Cooper/Brass Wire & Mixed Media on Wood, 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.
$6,500 72" x 36" x 32" Wooden Thorns, aluminum mash & brass/coil on Cello, 2020
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
Currently displaying ay 311 Gallery in Raleigh, NC
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/Cooper 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 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.