Contemporary Mexican art with a California influence
Showcasing the original art of
Deni Amador-Fuller
Examples of most recent work
"Artist at work" video series on YOuTUbe
The Young Woman of Amajac
This piece tells the story of Mexico City redefining it's public spaces through both contemporary and ancient art.
In Mexico City, a significant narrative unfolded around the removal of the controversial Christopher Columbus statue, its replacement proposal called Tlalli, and the installation of an anti-statue named Justicia by feminist groups. The discovery of the Young Woman of Amajac, an ancient sculpture depicting a young woman from the Huastec civilization, added complexity to the situation. The ensuing debates led to a compromise in February 2023, with both Justicia and the Young Woman of Amajac coexisting in the same traffic circle, symbolizing the city's effort to redefine public spaces and acknowledge a more inclusive historical narrative. This process reflects a collective responsibility to honor the past while celebrating the resilience and diversity of the Mexican spirit.
"Haven: a Place of Comfort & Contemplation
I found inspiration in the thematic focus of the Call for Art presented by Sebastopol Center for the Arts, titled "Haven." This call prompted artists to explore the concept of sanctuary, both as a physical space and a state of mind. Specifically, it encouraged the portrayal of landscapes and self-portraits imbued with a sense of tranquility. Drawing from my personal experiences, I chose to base my self-portrait on the profound serenity and clarity I encounter when reciting an ancient Nahuatl blessing dating back to the 7th century. My deep connection to my Mexican heritage has provided me with solace and a profound sense of purpose. In the video, I present my artistic process with the words of the Nahuatl blessing as narration.
My Artistic Inspiration
An inside peek at the screenprinting process and my philosophy of the types of art that inspires me. Special thanks to Jesse Sanchez at https://watch-me-soar-films.squarespace.com/ for the creation of this video.
Upcoming video topic: My Most Pirated Image
In this video, I'll discuss the importance of routinely conducting reverse image searches of your work to identify shops who are selling your art without permission. This image, Dia de los Muertos Chef, is my most pirated image appearing on numerous stores selling posters and apparel.
Screen prints (limited editions)
"Aztec Jaguar Warrior"
"The Eagle’s Perspective”
"The Eagle’s Perspective”
Beautiful and deadly, the Aztecs considered the jaguar spiritually on par with humans. Like man, they are the ultimate hunter and master of their domain. Revered for their speed, agility, and grace, jaguars became the symbol of ferocity and valor.
The jaguar’s headdress is modeled after the headdress from the revered Aztec warrior Zero Wo
Beautiful and deadly, the Aztecs considered the jaguar spiritually on par with humans. Like man, they are the ultimate hunter and master of their domain. Revered for their speed, agility, and grace, jaguars became the symbol of ferocity and valor.
The jaguar’s headdress is modeled after the headdress from the revered Aztec warrior Zero Wolf in Apocalypto. The Ollin Symbol with the all seeing eye guides the warrior in the direction that is needed for growth. The Aztec Ollin embodies Transformation, which a leader needs in order to have the strength to discard what hurts us (in order to) identify what will help us make
progress and move forward.
This piece has El Capitan in the background to symbolize that through courage and a clear vision of what's needed to move forward, no obstacle, however daunting, is too great.
11"x14" 135lb Richeson heavy Printmaking paper 4-color limited edition 10 prints
"The Eagle’s Perspective”
"The Eagle’s Perspective”
"The Eagle’s Perspective”
The Aztecs considered the sacred eagle (Cuāuh-Tli) to be brave, daring, and fearless. The eyes of the eagle can see beyond the horizon. The Aztec symbol for wall on the eagle’s chest represents the ability to see past obstacles by looking at a situation from a higher perspective. With the perspective of the eagle, the bigger picture emerg
The Aztecs considered the sacred eagle (Cuāuh-Tli) to be brave, daring, and fearless. The eyes of the eagle can see beyond the horizon. The Aztec symbol for wall on the eagle’s chest represents the ability to see past obstacles by looking at a situation from a higher perspective. With the perspective of the eagle, the bigger picture emerges and the path forward is clearly visible.
12" x 18" 135lb Richeson heavy Printmaking paper 4-color limited edition 10 prints
"Xochil (Flower) Warrior"
"The Eagle’s Perspective”
"The Young Woman of Amajac"
Xochitl (Sho-Shee) means flower in the Aztec language Nahuatl. Honeybees are in a fight for their survival, with loss of habitats, use of pesticides and increasing population of invasive species. "Xochitl Warrior" depicts a bee in full Aztec Eagle headdress with shield and spear, ready for battle. Native flowers and other plants that pro
Xochitl (Sho-Shee) means flower in the Aztec language Nahuatl. Honeybees are in a fight for their survival, with loss of habitats, use of pesticides and increasing population of invasive species. "Xochitl Warrior" depicts a bee in full Aztec Eagle headdress with shield and spear, ready for battle. Native flowers and other plants that provide nourishment surround the bee as a solution to their endangerment. The eye at the bottom represents human’s involvement in
seeing the problem and being a watchful
caretaker of nature.
11" x 14" 135lb Richeson heavy Printmaking paper 4-color limited edition 10 prints
"The Young Woman of Amajac"
"Inner Demon (Good Vs Evil)"
"The Young Woman of Amajac"
The Young Woman of Amajac is a pre-Hispanic sculpture depicting an indigenous woman. A group of farmers discovered the sculpture on January 1, 2021 while preparing to till the land in a citrus field in the town of Hidalgo Amajac, in Álamo Municipality, Veracruz. A replica is slated to replace the Monument to Christopher Columbus along Me
The Young Woman of Amajac is a pre-Hispanic sculpture depicting an indigenous woman. A group of farmers discovered the sculpture on January 1, 2021 while preparing to till the land in a citrus field in the town of Hidalgo Amajac, in Álamo Municipality, Veracruz. A replica is slated to replace the Monument to Christopher Columbus along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reformat. This original design combines the elements of fire, earth (wheat), wind, and water (headdress) into a version of the Young Woman of Amajac to pay respect to the indigenous women and their importance in Mexican history.
9" x 12" on 150lb hand-made paper
1 print
"California Love Song"
"Inner Demon (Good Vs Evil)"
"Inner Demon (Good Vs Evil)"
A lone Mariachi sings with the once common California grizzly bear, surrounded by bright orange California poppies. "California Love Song pays homage to the strength of the State (represented by the Grizzly Bear), the beauty of its natural landscapes (California Poppies), and the history of Mexicans being a part of the land before Califor
A lone Mariachi sings with the once common California grizzly bear, surrounded by bright orange California poppies. "California Love Song pays homage to the strength of the State (represented by the Grizzly Bear), the beauty of its natural landscapes (California Poppies), and the history of Mexicans being a part of the land before California became a state.
3-color hand screen-printed on 11" x 14" 135lb Richeson heavy Printmaking paper limited edition 10 prints
"Inner Demon (Good Vs Evil)"
"Inner Demon (Good Vs Evil)"
"Inner Demon (Good Vs Evil)"
This linocut print captures a poignant psychological struggle in stark black ink. At its heart, a little girl holds a vivid red flower, symbolizing hope or redemption, while hiding a knife behind her back. Her shadow looms as a solid black demon, representing her inner fears. The print's dramatic contrast of light and dark highlights her
This linocut print captures a poignant psychological struggle in stark black ink. At its heart, a little girl holds a vivid red flower, symbolizing hope or redemption, while hiding a knife behind her back. Her shadow looms as a solid black demon, representing her inner fears. The print's dramatic contrast of light and dark highlights her vulnerable yet resolute confrontation with her inner turmoil.
9" x 12" Linoleum block print on unbleached Mulberry handmade paper
Collage /Mixed Media
The Young Woman of Amajac
Por el amor de Frida (For the Love of Frida)
The Young Woman of Amajac
Through a traditional collage medium consisting of magazine images, maps, marigold flower petals, printed copies, watercolor, and colored pencil, this artwork narrates the dynamic evolution of public spaces in Mexico City. Focused on the pivotal events surrounding the replacement of the Christopher Columbus statue with a replica of the Young Woman of Amajac and the installation of the anti-statue Justicia, the piece captures the intersection of contemporary and ancient art. The contentious debates unfold within the artwork, reflecting the city's journey towards a more inclusive historical narrative.
This piece was part of the international juried show "Collage" at the Lesher Center of the Arts Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA.
Traditional collage (magazine images, maps, flowers, printed copies, watercolor, colored pencil) 20" x 24"
Mothers & Daughters
Por el amor de Frida (For the Love of Frida)
The Young Woman of Amajac
This Digital Collage tells the story of the nuanced relationships of mothers and daughters. The simple family ring given over 100 years ago and passed down to 2 generations as a symbol of love. The hummingbirds in Mexican culture represent strength and fierceness which is tempered by the delicate flowers.
Por el amor de Frida (For the Love of Frida)
Por el amor de Frida (For the Love of Frida)
Por el amor de Frida (For the Love of Frida)
This digital art collage captures the essence of Frida Kahlo's tumultuous life, blending fragments of her iconic self-portraits with vivid symbols of Mexican culture and surreal elements. Through a limited color palette of blues and oranges, the collage pays homage to Kahlo's resilience, pain, and unwavering artistic spirit.
Paintings
"Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation
"Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation
"Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation
Ancestor's Wisdom
"In today's fast-paced, often chaotic world, we find ourselves longing for spaces where we can feel comfort, engage in thoughtful contemplation, and experience a sense of security. Sanctuaries come in many forms, whether they be physical places, metaphysical states of mind, or places of human connection."
I based my piece on an ancient Nahuatl blessing (the language of my Mexican Ancestors) which has given me comfort and peace. This self-portrait was part of a juried show titled "Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation" by The Sebastopol Center of the Arts, CA.
Wood Panel 12" x 16" Acrylic paint
"California Dreaming"
"Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation
"Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation
Elements of California (quail, poppies, monarch butterfly and golden hills) are weaved around a Dia de los Muertos figure. This piece honors the dreams and rich history of my Mexican ancestors in the Golden State dating back to when the land was a territory of Mexico known as “Alta California”. This “California Dreaming” painting was part of a juried art show held
at Carnegie Art Center.
Acrylic Paint on Framed Wood Panel 16” x 20”
"Home"
"Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation
"Home"
An ancestor lovingly holds a tablet with the Aztec symbol for “Home”. This piece honors our ancestor’s voyage to get us where we are today. From the double-headed eagle of Spanish Rule clashing with the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, to the sun-bleached lands of the Yaqui tribe and other indigenous peoples, and finally the journey north to San Francisco. We all carry our ancestor’s voyage with us, no matter where we call home.
Acrylic on wood panel 12 x 16
"Rise"
"Hold On To Sacred Summer"
"Home"
A Dia de los Muertos phoenix rises from the flames. This piece was created for a gallery show centered around the theme incorporating text
with imagery held at Live Worms Gallery,
North Beach San Francisco.
Acrylic paint on 8” x 10” wood panel
"Hold On To Sacred Summer"
"Hold On To Sacred Summer"
"Hold On To Sacred Summer"
This original painting weaves the Nahuatl Aztec symbol for summer(inside the sunflower) and the symbol for sacred (behind the mountains) with a child’s outstretched arm to create a longing of Summer. The sunflower’s petals are made of yellow swallowtail butterflies which are
native to the East Bay hills.
Acrylic paint on 9" x 12" canvas with wood frame
"Storm"
"Hold On To Sacred Summer"
"Hold On To Sacred Summer"
"Storm" depicts the still waters at the bottom of the turbulent sea. The anchor represents our stabilizing force in our lives, whether it is family, friends, or faith. This painting was created as part of an Artist Collective show on the upheaval that the Covid shutdown had on all our lives.
9" x 12" Acrylic and mixed media on 150lb strathmore paper