Embroidery of the Future: An Art with Purpose
Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Purepécha community: Exploration of the symbols and messages of embroidery
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A subtle art
In the quietest corner of Enedina Lara, Julia Hernández, and Erika Reynoso's workshop in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, a series of pieces draw particular attention.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Messages in textiles
These are pieces that convey a powerful message, a reminder of our relationship with nature and our responsibility towards it.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A life-changing moment
Enedina remembers the exact moment when she decided to embroider this piece. It happened one afternoon at Lake Pátzcuaro, when she noticed that there were fewer fish than usual. A landscape that had been present all her life and was now changing.
An art with a message
This awakened in her the need to express, to show the world the damage we cause by not respecting our land, to teach us something through her embroidery.
The piece shows a leafy tree, under which people are in harmony with their environment.
It shows us the fishermen on the lake living together in a harmonious cycle of sustenance and respect.
It also introduces people to working the land and living on it without abusing what it can give us.
Purépecha artisan in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
An art lesson
These messages remind us what happens if we do not take care of the environment: a profound and irreparable change originates in the Earth that gives us life.
Purépecha artisan in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A message for everyone
The piece offers us a glimpse into the hopes, dreams, and fears of Enedina, Julia, and Erika, an expression of their souls.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Cultural reflexes
The social fabric of the community is part of the fabric of the embroidery. The scenes they portray are symbols and ideas with which people in Tzintzuntzan can identify.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The many messages of art
Each embroidery, with its interlocking threads, tells a story. Some are messages of love, some are messages of resistance, and some are messages of hope and warning.
Purépecha artisan in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
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