“What you see here is not even the tip of the iceberg,” said Larios, referring to an entire lexicon of glyphs waiting to be integrated into a modern symbolism.Mayans had a detailed and well-developed written language which they used to inscribe on artistic works and to pen down books. Larios and León are trying to construct a conceptual bridge between the past and the present. The Spanish Conquest was a breaking point in Maya culture their language and the related knowledge of hieroglyphs were lost. Larios’ and León’s reinterpretations often begin from these archeological interpretations. What is known of the Maya glyphs is largely from Archeological study. This competition comes from pop-culture phenomena, such as the booming superhero movie franchises. Despite the interest children show in their work, they noted that there is certain competition when it comes to inspiring children to take an interest in their cultural heritage. When asked how their work is perceived by the natives and community, they agreed it was welcomed, particularly children who thoroughly enjoy it. León named this visual interpretation “Awakening Ocelot.” Of the designs he presented, an image of an ocelot with four points stands out a traditional glyph of an ocelot reinterpreted in mid-yawn. He said the book “Ensueños Cosmovisión Del Maiz” by Daniel Matul is a particularly guiding aspect with regard to his philosophy. Philosophy inspires the story behind his visual designs. Photo: Oliver Garretsonįor León, his work is much more than art. These symbols are incorporated into her various mediums such as clothing, jewelry, and art prints. Then, integrates this common symbol into modern symbols to create a new idea-a new Maya language. In some of her work, she utilizes pictograms everyone knows, like a skull and crossbones. Likewise, adaptation prevents Mayan hieroglyphics from becoming merely the subject material for history books.įor Larios, pictograms are stories. These changes could be seen as the changes any language goes through over the course of time. In other words, design is the medium through which they connect the past and the present by adapting the Mayan visual language in a way that is understood in today’s world. Larios said they envision their Maya design collective will “preserve our heritage and make it relevant to today’s citizens, using design as a bridge.” It’s a design methodology that could be used with other indigenous cultures to help people discover aspects of their identity in the same way it helped Larios delve more deeply into her identity as a Salvadorian, she said.īy reinterpreting ancient symbols, they aim to breathe new life into them. They look to inspire others to take an interest in their heritage as Mayans and build a common understanding of its relevance. They draw a deep influence from the Maya to inspire new art forms, while using ancient symbolism as a means to inspire people of Mayan descent to take an interest in their rich cultural heritage. Their similar methodologies and values brought them together. Larios and León are in the midst of creating a Maya design collective dedicated to Maya knowledge, symbolism, and preservation of their identity as indigenous people. office building, they had the full attention of the small audience of Smithsonian staffers and others who take a special interest in Latino or indigenous cultures. While the indigenous regalia looked a bit out of place in the conference room of the Center’s Southwest Washington D.C. León was dressed head-to-toe in traditional Maya clothing. He is the owner of the design studio Potencial Puro and the art director and website designer for the United States Institute of Peace. Manuel León is a multimedia graphic designer originally from Chichicastenago, Guatemala. Originally from El Salvador, she sported a contemporary tunic styled with modernized indigenous symbols. She is an author, lecturer, facilitator, typography consultant and educational product designer. At the Smithsonian Latino Center recently, two designers decked out in colorful Central American outfits discussed how the ancient art of their Mayan ancestors influences their work, a design methodology that goes beyond artistic endeavor.įrida Larios, an ambassador for the International Design Network, is the creator of the New Maya Language, a multimedia design project.
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