TEMIKI (LITTLE DEATH), 2023

"Temiki" (Little Death) features Crystal Clara Xochitl Zamora (Mexica/Azteca) from Albuquerque, NM donning her danza regalia and the traditional Dia de los Muertos calavera skull make up. These brightly colored skulls represent the departed souls in the circle of life, and they are painted to celebrate their lives. Dia de los Muertos celebrations have been adopted into cultures throughout the indigenous Americas of the dead originate in Central Mexico rooted in spiritual observances that date back 3000 years. Crystal's father and Chief of their family group helped us title the piece and explained that Temiki means little death, or really translates dream time--which is their way of thinking of the afterlife. It was an honor to include heirloom blue corn from Northern New Mexico and work again with the incredible make-up artist and my dear friend Dina DiVore (Jemez/Kewa). This image was made and printed by me in my studio at 333 Montezuma Ave.