País de Maíz
In Mexico, maíz (corn) is not only a fundamental food, but is also seen as the very essence of the human being. Maíz is the center where Mexican identity, culture and cuisine converge. As a basic grain, it is part of the daily cuisine, and its growth cycle is connected to important rituals and celebrations. Spiritually, physically and economically, maíz is linked to survival, and has been the sustenance of indigenous peoples and communities for centuries.
In Oaxaca, the introduction of genetically modified corn presents risks to health, the environment, and biodiversity. It has resulted in a significant reduction in native varieties of Mexican corn. Additionally, it is driving hundreds of thousands of Oaxacan farmers from rural areas and communities to abandon their fields, many of them traveling to the United States to look for work.
País de Maíz is a tribute to native corn, may the light it generates illuminate the path back to its ancient roots.
País de Maíz seamlessly blends craft techniques from the Mixtec and Central Valley of Oaxaca. The corn body was woven by Juan García Mendoza using a palm knotting technique. The textile for the leaves was woven on a pedal loom by Alfredo Orozco and contains natural palm, palm dyed with Brazil wood and copper wire. The organic shape of the totomoxtle (corn husk) is achieved using the innovative copper wire technique applied by Vera. It won the Grand Prize of Design Week México Inédito 2020.