that whistles, that braids, that sows

that reveals life on canvas.
Negma Coy

The exhibition highlights the dialogue between the works of Rosa Elena Curruchich (San Juan Comalapa, 1956-2005) and Angélica Serech (San Juan Comalapa, 1982). Both artists, of Kaqchikel Mayan heritage from Guatemala, are characterized for forging their own paths while expanding artistic traditions and languages. Their creations reflect the narratives of their people and the struggles of women who pave the way for future generations.

Rosa Elena is recognized as the first female painter from San Juan Comalapa. She taught herself to paint by observing her grandfather, the painter Andrés Curruchich. Her only solo exhibition took place at the Alliance Française in Guatemala City in 1979. However, she faced prejudice and harassment due to the male-dominated painting tradition in her community. During the civil war in Guatemala (1960-1996), she used miniature formats to transport her work in a discreet manner. Her paintings capture family life, celebrations, and community bonds, highlighting the vital role of women in Indigenous social organization.

Angélica is a weaver who inherited her expertise in various brocade techniques and the traditional crafting of huipiles—Indigenous garments embroidered with figures and designs that embody the memories and knowledge of the communities that create and wear them. Her artistry seamlessly blends tradition with experimentation, incorporating unconventional materials such as human hair, wood, metallic threads, and other organic elements. The intricate knots, ties, and braids adorning her sculptures evoke landscapes and migratory patterns, reflecting the furrows of agriculture, human journeys, and pathways, while also capturing the memory of the body and the delicate fragility of skin.

The title is inspired by the poem Sounds of Hearts. Ruk'oxomal Taq K'uxaj by poet and weaver Negma Coy. It showcases 75 paintings by Rosa Elena, created between 1979 and 2003, marking the most comprehensive exhibition of her work to date. Additionally, recent sculptures by Angélica are featured, including two newly crafted large-scale textiles that engage with the history, resilience, and vibrant colors of Rosa Elena.

Miguel A. López
(Curador en jefe, Museo Universitario del Chopo)

From August 2nd, 2025

Rosa Elena Curruchich (San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala, 1956- 2005) Artista maya kaqchikel. Sus obras ejemplifican su deseo de documentar, a través de pinturas meticulosamente detalladas, la vida cotidiana, las costumbres tradicionales, las festividades religiosas y el trabajo artesanal de su comunidad indígena, como la producción de velas, pan, cometas y perrajes (mantas). En lugar de ofrecer imágenes exóticas producidas para el consumo turístico, sus pinturas prestan atención al papel de las mujeres dentro de la organización social indígena local y reconocen el valor del trabajo de cuidado.

En cada pintura, incluyó un pequeño texto que describe a los personajes y sus acciones. Las imágenes que creó cuentan su propia historia personal al tiempo que reivindican el poder transformador del trabajo comunitario. Su obra fue recientemente exhibida en la 60ª Bienal de Venecia, titulada "Extranjeros en todas partes", curada por Adriano Pedrosa.

Angélica Serech (San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala, 1982) Artista textil cuyas obras exploran las raíces de su herencia familiar y comunitaria como tejedora. Su formación se basa en una tradición familiar de bordado, aprendida de su tía, y su trabajo inicialmente se centra en los huipiles tradicionales de Comalapa. Su curiosidad e intuición la llevaron a abandonar la producción artesanal de estos textiles para desarrollar una práctica personal e imaginativa.

Su obra ha sido exhibida en el certamen y subasta de arte Juannio (2020- 2022), la XXII Bienal de Arte Paiz (2021) y en exposiciones grupales en Galería Extra (2021) y Galería Rebelde (2022). Su trabajo forma parte de colecciones privadas en Europa y América Latina. Fue invitada para participar en la Bienal de Toronto, en 2024, y en la próxima Bienal de Sídney, en 2026.