Opening the door...
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Authors
Torres, Benjamin XOCOYOTZIN
Issue Date
2016
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Transformative arts
Alternative Title
Abstract
My art work, and spiritual practices, serve to promote an awareness of native cosmology and heal the wounding that 500 years of colonization has produced.
This healing extends to all people and creation. I extend it to the winds, water, plants and animals. They are our relations.
The works I create, maintain an awareness of: the four legged, the water creatures, the winged, the flora and fauna. The planet itself is a living entity. My audience is lead back to this reality.
The four elements of creation are my relations. They are: fire, water, earth, and air. They compose my genetic code.
As a native descendent, I live by a value system that recognizes and honors the seventh generation from now.
My obligation and connection to them compels and informs the intentions captured in my artwork.
I follow a mandate, that was given to me by my father (Matilde Raphael Torres) when I was 17 (...ish). He told me to "open the doors..." for those who have been denied entry."
During the second world war, he served in the south pacific theater of combat. He was an armament specialist in the United States Army Air Corps. My father was one of a multitude of Mexican-Americans who served this country during this conflict.
I was shocked when he told me that the worst thing the government ever did to him was "make me a Mexican again." According to him, his service time was spent "eating like a king." and "playing baseball." He was extremely talented at both endevours.
It was disheartening for me to hear that after returning to the U.S. of A., he was told, "We don't hire Mexicans." Though he was a veteran, my father had difficulty qualifying for his house loan. He suffered constant racial discrimination throughout his career as a "letter carrier" for the U.S. post office.
In honor of my father, I work at "opening doors" in life.