Tejido de Los Desaparecidos (Weaving of the Disappeared)
Entry/Object ID
MG.024
Description
International Solidarity
Collection
Ester Hernandez
Made/Created
Artist
Ester Hernandez
Date made
1984
Dimensions
Height
21-1/4 in
Width
25-1/4 in
Depth
1-1/2 in
Dimension Notes
Paper: 18x23.5. Image: 16x21.25
Interpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical Context
Label
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.
