Play is often described as an activity for recreation rather than a serious or practical undertaking. For me, play is a magical act, a traditional and important role so present in Mexican fiestas. It is an act imbued with innate power that allows freedom of the imagination. Through the power of play, our awareness opens and our curiosity is stirred.
My current body of work, The Power of Play, arises from the cultural tradition of Mojigangas. These giant puppets average 15 feet (3-4 meters) in height and have an important traditional role in Mexican fiestas. They inspire a spirit of interaction, spark amazement and embrace spontaneity. For me, they express imagination and joy, and symbolize the phenomenological experience of my Mexican childhood.
Through The Power of Play I welcome the viewer to interact and play depending on whim. I invite one to abandon the constraints and boundaries we face today while activating a sense of play. I view the magical freedom of imagination as a potential opening to different cultural traditions so needed in today’s prevalent nationalistic ideology.
