Brava Nepantla
George Rodriguez with Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada
"Like the Jaguar itself, Brava Nepantla is a piece about Latinx bravery, courage and fiery. The word Nepantla means “in-between” in the indigenous language of Nahuatl, a Uto-Aztecan language still spoken in Mexico. The in-betweenness of cultures, borders, and the theoretical framework of late scholar Gloria E. Anzaldua is what inspired the text in the earrings and hence the title of the piece.
The paisleys, which are in-lieu of the Jaguar’s spots, represent the Chicanx culture of the U.S./Mexican borderland of El Paso, TX, both artists’ hometown. The significance of the bandana relates to a “chola” dress code, a Mexican American urban subculture. By combining these symbols and text, I aim to bridge the cultures of the past and present to create a modern look of what it means to be a Latinx woman of color living on the border of American and Mexican culture".
Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada
Brava Nepantla is available as part of the set of 12 pieces that comprise El Zodíaco Familiar. For more information please contact us at (206) 622-2833 or seattle@fosterwhite.com