Grace Gutierrez
Location: on the barn, in the alley behind 2029 Mapleton, (between 19th and 20th)
Photos: Peter Kowalchuk
Mural Statement
This mural shows the affinity and love of the earth Chicanx people have using the turtle totem. In my practice of celebrating Chicana identity, I painted a woman in the ocean with turtles swimming and flying around her. It was widely believed by ancient indigenous Mexican tribes that the planet earth and turtles were connected, from beliefs that the earth itself is a turtle floating on water, to a turtle carrying the earth on its back protecting it as a mother earth figure.
Turtles are also linked to time in Mayan myth. Their patterning is linked to calendar periods or seasons, and they are known to leave a body of water before a draught arrives, serving as a warning of a change in climate. This idea that turtles leave their home when they detect change in climate inspired the new design. I hope it will be interpreted that these turtles are guides to indicate climate change, leading us to appreciate/protect the earth.
About the Artist
Grace Gutierrez is a Colorado based artist working in a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, video art, and photography. Her work explores identity, often referencing Chicana identity, animal/feminine connections, and small town existence. Identity through community and culture builds a foundation of playful, vulnerable, and sentimental narratives. Grace is currently attending Metropolitan State University of Denver, graduating Spring 2020 with a BFA (emphasis in painting and ceramics).
THANK YOU
To the Hill Family for sponsoring and hosting.
Listen to the Artist Statement and mural story