NY Arts - Jonathan Feinstein talks to Grant Willing

The Allure of Mexico in the Arts

Mexico's unique blend of vibrant nature, advanced ancient civilization, and complex mythology continues to captivate artists around the globe. It's a nation steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural contradictions — at once a birthplace of technologically sophisticated societies and rituals rooted in human sacrifice. These elements combine to create an edgy proximity to both life and death, a magnetic allure for the creative mind.

Folk Religion: A Hybrid of Traditions

Exploring the folk religion of Mexico reveals a fascinating fusion of Christianity and ancient Mayan beliefs. This syncretism weaves together a pantheon of Christian saints with nature deities, ranging from the benevolent to the terrifyingly bloodthirsty, offering a rich vein of inspiration for modern artists.

Influence of Mexican Culture in Film and Art

Soviet Cinematic Fascination

The complexities of Mexican culture caught the attention of Soviet film director Sergei Eisenstein, who, along with cinematographer Eduard Tisse, sought to capture its essence in an expressionist film featuring the Day of the Dead celebrations.

Barbara Rachko's Surreal Interpretations

New York-based artist Barbara Rachko takes Mexican folk imagery as a starting point for her surreal, psychologically rich photography. Her latest exhibition, "Gods and Monsters," at HP Garcia Gallery, presents a series of C-prints that offer a contemporary interpretation of ancient traditions.

"Gods and Monsters" Exhibition Overview

Comprising twelve large-format C-prints, Rachko's exhibition "Gods and Monsters" is a visualization of tableaux featuring Mexican polychrome woodcarvings. These carvings are photographed using colored gels and various filters, manipulating light to cast a sense of otherworldliness over the scenes.

Techniques and Themes

Rachko employs experimental lighting and a shallow depth of field to make the objects appear to float in a black void, freeing them from the constraints of gravity. This treatment brings a dynamism to the stills, suggesting motion and imbuing the pieces with a haunting, ephemeral quality.

The Interplay of Light, Color, and Myth

The images conjure a mystical realm, housing an array of figures from youthful maidens to demigods and grotesque creatures. Each photograph captures the vibrant light and color inherent in the Mexican landscape while reflecting the occult and the subconscious fears and desires endemic to Mexico's agricultural life.

Artistic Achievements and Psychological Resonance

Rachko's work strikes a balance between the concrete and the abstract, inviting viewers to explore the enigma of ancient Mayan rituals and to engage in imaginative thought. In this way, her photography not only celebrates but also breathes new life into these time-honored traditions.