In the work "Catrina Millennial: The Challenge," the Catrinas stand as contemporary witnesses to a challenge that transcends the boundaries of time, weaving a vibrant metaphor between the present and the history of these iconic figures. Picture these Catrinas, with their modern attire and defiant gestures, as heirs to a tradition born in the satire of José Guadalupe Posada during the Juarez and Porfirio Diaz eras. They embody the constant questioning of millennials, challenging not only ephemeral trends but also pre-established narratives.
As guardians of history, the modern Catrinas stand upon the legacy of La Calavera Garbancera, Posada's social critique of the excessive aspiration to adopt European customs at the expense of Mexican identity. In Diego Rivera's mural, they appear alongside the visionaries of that era, including José Guadalupe Posada and Rivera himself, encapsulating the struggle for authenticity and identity in an ever-evolving society.
The "Challenge" posed by these Millennial Catrinas is a direct confrontation with contemporary superficiality. They are living symbols of resistance against the loss of cultural essence in the whirlwind of instant fashion and foreign influences. By defying norms, they challenge a society that, much like in the past, finds itself immersed in the blending of identities and the constant struggle between authenticity and uncritical adoption of trends.
Thus, in this work, the Millennial Catrinas not only embody current rebellion but also poetically and symbolically connect with the rich history that gave them life. They are the guardians of time, challenging conventions and unveiling the eternal struggle between preserving identity and succumbing to the seduction of contemporary currents.
Erika Alfiero Art®
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ERIKA LOURDES CABALLERO FLORES, 2023 ©
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- Reproductions: Available
- Collections: 2024 Miami Spectrum, Catrinas, Figurativo