Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
Using no text, Hernandez subtly depicts the effects of the U.S.-supported Guatemalan military massacre of Mayan campesinos during their long civil war. What appears to be a traditional Guatemalan weaving depicts male and female calaveras (the female with a baby skull inside her), helicopters, skulls, and the blood spatters of bullet holes. The narrative mutely bears witness to the victims.
Visual surprise is a common motif in Hernandez’ work. She consistently produces political artwork that challenges the viewer’s expectations. Another example is her work Sun Mad Raisins from 1981.