MUXES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Due to lost materials, poor quality visuals and in order to enhance the documentary, MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture; multimedia artist, producer & director Hugo Ximello-Salido will be re-producing the documentary previously filmed during Covid-19. Ximello-Salido's comment: "The pandemic prevents us from including important and relevant Zapotec sites which are crucial while explaining such views of gender fluidity in the state of Oaxaca”.
Ximello-Salido's Production & Direction will include Rolando Jimenez ~ Cinematographer & Co-Director, Miguel Ramirez Aquino ~ Second Camera & Audio, Yael Pérez Moreno ~ Assistant Cinematographer , Juan Bustamante Ramirez ~ Photographer Juan Bustamante Ramirez, Tomas Vicente Contreras ~ Assistant Director. The documentary will include interviews from Dr. Heriberto Ruiz, Phd~ Institute of Sociological Research Autonomous University of Oaxaca, as well Dr. Charlynne Curiel, Phd~ Professor of Sociologica; Anthropology Sociological Research Autonomous University of Oaxaca, Melissa Bojiseauneau, Attorney in law and first transwoman to legally change gender in the state of Oaxaca; Muxe talents includes, Amitai Verdugo, Felina Valdivieso, Victoria Lopez, Rubi Diaz, Damián Xaneri, Naomy Mendez & Elvis Guerra.
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.
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.
the finesse of gender fluidity
In this piece, the artist explores the intersection of gender fluidity and cultural traditions. The white, ruffled 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 Dia de los Muertos symbol representing the duality of life and death. The dramatic, evocative piece celebrates these dualities and our human ability to transcend them. The lettering on the sides of the canvas acknowledges the presence of third-gender expression throughout the world, referencing conceptions of gender fluidity in Mexico, Thailand, India, Nepal, Madagascar, and the United States. It is deeply inspired in particular by the Muxe, a third-gender in Zapotec culture, who have long been respected and accepted within their indigenous community. They embody an extraordinary example of perseverance, authenticity, and beauty in light of Mexico’s history of colonization (represented here by the black talavera leaf) and the religious and patriarchal ideals that accompanied it.
$7,500
56" x 28" x 12" x 2.5"
Acrylic/ink, tinted resin, brass, copper tape/nails/tacks, textiles (resplandor/hupil grande) copper lights & Mixed Media on canvas , 2023
56" x 28" x 12" x 2.5"
Acrylic/ink, tinted resin, brass, copper tape/nails/tacks, textiles (resplandor/hupil grande) copper lights & Mixed Media on canvas , 2023
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
A note to gender fludity
$2,200
15" x 21" x 10"
Brass wire/copper coil, copper lights & Mixed Media on Brass Trumpet, 2022
15" x 21" x 10"
Brass wire/copper coil, copper lights & Mixed Media on Brass Trumpet, 2022
Us
$2,300
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. $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.
$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
$2,900 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.
$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 fluidityCreated in Mexico with traditional textiles, this sculpture is inspired by the topography of Oaxaca, where the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Mixtec Mountain ranges make the state one of the most diverse in terrain. The work represents the discovery of gender fluidity as a journey and the awareness that gender can be perceived through many lenses, including through the history of the Zapotec culture that still resonates today. The lighter path shows the way towards a better understanding of gender fluidity and the Muxe community's culture and traditions, as well as celebrating the personal discovery of such a rich culture and its Zapotecan heritage.
$10,000 349" (29.08 ft.) x 41" Textiles/Fabrics, Copper lights/brass on Lonetilla , 2021 The acoustics of gender fluidity
This always-evolving bass 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 bass 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.
$7,000
72" x 36" x 32" Wooden Thorns, aluminum mash, brass/coil, light bulbs & speaker on Bass, 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.
$2,200
36" x 36" x 15" Acrylic/Ink, Textiles/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.
$1,600
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.
$2,500
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.
$2,500
26" x 18" x 10" 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.