Fantastic scenarios
Sometimes nature creates environments so overwhelming that they seem unreal. That scenographic quality of the trees in the landscape stands out in the area around Ciudad Mendoza.
Water elders
The word ahuehuete (Taxodium mucronatum) has its origin in a Nahuatl word that means 'water elder'. Hundreds of these ancient trees, between two and seven centuries old, form the banks of the río Blanco where countless visitors and locals carry this paradisiacal gallery in their hearts.
Path of water and wisdom (2021-04-12) by Luis Díaz Barriga and José Osorio Torres y Proyecto Ahuehuete (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
Shelter of generations
Lulled by the song of the river and the wind among the leaves of the ahuehuetes, many generations have found refuge in this magical space that stretches for more than ten kilometers.
Ahuehuetes
This tree species is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It can reach up to 40 meters in height, with massive trunks and a lifespan of hundreds—or even thousands—of years. Traditionally, it was cultivated to adorn royal gardens.
Eternal love (2021-04-12) by Isabella Olmos (fotógrafa) and José Osorio Torres y Proyecto Ahuehuete (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
Whimsical shapes
There are fortunate people who often walk through here and look at the old ahuehuetes like someone looking at the clouds, finding unexpected images. The silhouette of two lovers or of any animal can appear between the wrinkles of their trunks and roots.
Millennial medicine
Protected species because its population has diminished by excessive logging. It has always been used as a medicine. The resin cures ulcers, skin diseases and various wounds, as well as headaches, toothaches and rheumatics.
Looking out over the canyon
It is a pine (Pinus sp) that, on its own, appears modest. However, its way of looking out over the Carbonera Canyon makes it a spectacular tree.
Adventurous pine (2021-04-12) by Alfredo Morán (fotógrafo) and Adolfo Vergara Mejía (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
The unforgettable shape
Blending into a rocky outcrop, its silhouette commands the cliffside. Whether one stands above or below the ravine, the image of this pine inevitably weaves itself into the view.
Trees up to 40 m tall, with characteristic resin and cones. It inhabits humid and cold ecosystems, with soil of volcanic origin, inhabits the wide slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is appreciated for its soft wood that is easy to work with in fine wood work.
Poem for the tree of the abyss
The way it holds its ground at the edge of the void offers a quiet lesson in endurance and inspires lines about a solitary pulpit, a poignant balance, a devoted guardian.
Poem dedicated to the canyon pine
Enhiesta soledad y lejanía
Desde tu alto púlpito
observas el cosmos
Regalas un ejemplo vital
Desafías al pensamiento
Al sentido común
Casi vuelas
Casi flotas
levitas
No te
d
e
s
p
e
ñ
a
s:
¡Ejemplar en tu equilibrio!
Te miro y me emociono
me contengo cobarde
no aprendo tu lección
Avanzas en el precipicio
Centinela amoroso
Compartes el mundo
En humilde silencio
Das más y mejores lecciones
Que la humanidad
Con su parloteo
This is one of six online exhibitions resulting from Colectivo Rokunin's Trees 2021 Project. With an open call in the central area of Veracruz, citizens were invited to share important trees in their lives. Thanks to the involvement of more than 80 people (almost 60 participants, in addition to the jury, photographers, designers and artists) these testimonies of the powerful bond that unites humans and trees took shape.
Fantastic settings
Trees Project, Rokunin 2021 Collective, Veracruz, Mexico.
Text: Teresa Morte
Research: Norma Falcón and Itzel Mendoza
Style correction: Alejandra Mendoza
Design: Roberto González, Alejandra Mendoza and Teresa Morte
Illustrations: Mark Quijano
Photographs: Alfredo Morán, Luis Díaz Barriga and Isabella Olmos
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
With the generous support of Radio Corver
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