Mexican Artisans Aida Aquino Boyo And Cecilia Cortes Morales Showcase Heritage At Banan In Riyadh

The Saudi International Handicrafts Week, known as Banan, showcased a unique cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Mexico. In the Mexico section, the distance between Riyadh and Mexican states like Oaxaca and Michoacán seemed to vanish through art. Aida Aquino Boyo and Cecilia Cortes Morales represented their regions with their crafts, acting as cultural ambassadors.

Aida Aquino Boyo from Oaxaca demonstrated her mastery in clay art. Her work involved transforming simple clay into intricate pieces that tell stories of her heritage. Each creation undergoes a detailed process of kneading, shaping, drying, coloring, polishing, and firing. This meticulous craftsmanship reflects Oaxaca's rich artisan traditions.

Cecilia Cortes Morales from Michoacán shared her expertise in crafting with colored iron and metal strips. For over three decades, she has honed this skill. Her process begins with cutting and shaping iron strips as if drawing on paper. These are then assembled into complex layers to form the final artwork.

The Heritage Commission played a crucial role in organizing Banan, ensuring it was a vibrant space for global artistic experiences. Their efforts made it possible for artisans like Aida and Cecilia to feel valued and honored for their work and stories.

Aida expressed her desire for visitors to understand how distant communities create beauty and translate identity into tangible forms. She felt honored by the invitation to showcase her craft in Saudi Arabia, a significant opportunity for someone deeply connected to clay and colors.

Cecilia's craft involves precise cutting and assembling of metal strips over several days. Each piece is individually sculpted before being colored and layered intricately. Her dedication over 34 years has resulted in artworks that embody Michoacán's cultural essence.

The event highlighted how art can bridge cultures, bringing together diverse traditions under one roof. It allowed visitors to appreciate the intricate processes behind each craft while understanding the cultural narratives they represent.

With inputs from SPA