Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Libro abierto
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Jugoton
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Bailando en el Norte
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Tecalitlan
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Trío
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Polka
Engraving on paper
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Trío Paloma
Engraving on paper
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

маријачи
Engraving on paper
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Mariachi Internacional
Engraving on paper
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Mariaчи
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Paloma
18.5 cm x 18.5 cm
Oil on wood
2022

Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter
Mariaчи. Maria Portilla Painter

Mariaчи

2022

During the 1940s, “Cine de Oro mexicano” had a great expansion in the former Yugoslavia. Josep Broz “Tito”, in an attempt to diversify the artistic and cultural influences imposed by the Soviet Union, chose to (import) Mexican music and cinema, Mexico being a neutral country with a flourishing film and music industry.

This opened a window to honor the deep connection between our two countries, in spite of language and geographical distance; Mariachi music moves us in the same way, a Mariachi sounds touch the same strings in us.

The phenomenon of cultural influence of the Mexican Mariachi spread principally throughout Latin America but also unbeknownst to Mexicans, reached some countries in the Soviet bloc. The knowledge of our cultural influence in Europe gives us an opportunity to reevaluate our artistic legacy and gives us the tools to push back against voracious cultural industries, such as that of the USA,

At the same time, this work assists the countries that made up the former Yugoslavia to take a moment to look back to their past without resentment, joined by the Mexican culture which came to them from so far away and captivated them with its bucolic images, mysticism and sound.

I did not set out to do a work on mariachis. My initial interest was in highlighting the sound similarities between the two countries. But the mariachis became such a fascinating topic to me that it resulted in this work. The cover designs of original vinyls in both Mexico and the former Yugoslav countries was my inspiration.

This is my graphics debut: etching and engraving. Intentionally chosen as two styles which unite our countries aesthetically and graphically; a post-revolutionary style that in its time united politically committed artists in spreading their message of political struggle.

Painting serves as a means of permanence, I appeal to painting as a support that dignifies the existence of this phenomenon between sister cultures.  I’m just joining the dots and creating a direct dialogue, paying homage to this specific moment in history.

Let us commit to not succumb to the monoculture that is increasingly difficult to escape. And let us highlight what joins us as sister countries.

I thank Miha Massini, for his incredible investigation of the Mariachis in Yugoslavia;  Jean Sebastien, master in graphics and grandmaster.  To Julián and Morelos, very dear friends and important people for the preservation and dissemination of Mexican music.  José Carlos for his graphic eye and for having him so close to the process.  To Carlos for his faithful accompaniment to my artistic processes, his knowledge is always inspiring.  To KCGrad for giving me this space to pay tribute and repay what they enjoy and promote from Mexico to this day.

Maria Portilla. All rights reserved.