“Resplandor Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz-Talavera Azul,” detail (photo by Noelia Gonzalez -Consulate Photographer)
Resplandor, when translated to English, is radiance or brilliance — something shining through with splendor and beauty. Resplandores, or headdresses, come from the Zapotec people in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. These headdresses fit snugly around the face, encircling it like the petals of a flower. Ornate patterned fabric then drapes down the wearers’ shoulders, enrobing them to the torso. This garment has famously been seen in more than one of Frida Kahlo’s many self-portraits. Multidisciplinary artist Hugo Ximello-Salido explores this traditional Mexican adornment and the intersections of Muxe identity in “Resplandores: The Ancestral Muxe Duality” on display at the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City.
Though the exhibition does not require context, some may be helpful in gaining a fuller appreciation of the work. Muxes are third gender individuals within Zapotec culture, existing beyond what is considered male or female. Ximello-Salido has been exploring Muxe identity for several years through his artwork, including his feature-length film, “MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture.” A portion of the film was shown alongside “Resplandores” at the exhibition’s opening.
Walking up the steps of the Consulate of Mexico, viewers are met with handmade cushions in the shape of a heart organ. Through these pieces, Ximello-Salido’s intricate skill with fiber art and multimedia is evident, as he uses numerous materials to make a familiar motif fresh and intriguing. The hearts are fashioned out of huipiles, traditional embroidered garments Muxes are often seen wearing.
“Ladxido de Muxe – Muxe’s Heart” utilizes an antique huipil. Arteries of aluminum net spiral from the top of the heart, with the word “MUXE” sewn into the center using steel wire. It is pierced with a large knitting needle, bringing to mind that a historical role of Muxes was often to remain in the home and assist their mothers. In addition to the two ornate hearts at the entrance of the exhibition, smaller hearts called “Corazoncitos” hang from the ceiling like protective birds, each carrying the words “AMOR” or “MUXE.” They circle a mannequin dressed in a resplandor, showing audiences how the elaborate headdress would look on a wearer.
Along the main wall of the exhibition, Ximello-Salido has made a series of resplandores with the unique idea to model them after bills of Mexican currency. “Resplandor Catrina Zapoteca” blends Muxes with La Catrina — the ubiquitous skeletal woman from Dia de los Muertos. It takes inspiration from the 10-peso note from 1954, which features the Tehuana, a Zapotec woman from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec adorned in a resplandor. In the center of the resplandor, La Catrina has rouged cheeks and dangling golden earrings, like a Muxe. Her face is surrounded by lace with elaborate grey and gold patterned designs. Ximello-Salido displays a total of eight resplandores, with precisely drawn faces representing the various pesos they are fashioned after.
Ximello-Salido’s attention to detail and artistic depth shine through to form an exhibition that is both striking and thematically meaningful. Each touch is a special nod to Mexican culture, with a particular focus on the home of the Muxes. It is fitting that the work is on display in the Consulate of Mexico, as it brings a message of pride and resilience during a fraught time for Latin American immigrants in the United States.
“Resplandores: The Ancestral Muxe Duality” by Hugo Ximello-Salido, continues at the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, 1617 Baltimore Ave., through May 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, 424.309.0009 or consulmex.sre.gob.mx/kansascity.
