Artwork: “Stewarding the Land & the Dreams of Our Ancestors”
Another Gulf Is Possible Collaborative is an all-brown (indigenous, latine and desi) collective of eleven artists, media makers, and cultural organizers from across the Gulf South (TX, LA, MS, AL, FL) to the Global South.
This 30 x 22 watercolor and embroidery thread on handmade paper was made in real life during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a road trip for our two members, Bekah and Patti, from the Rio Grande Valley to New Orleans to start the piece with Jayeesha. Over the course of about a month, 6 out of the 11 members in the collaborative had their hands on it, contributing their energy and intention viscerally during these virtual times. Each member was asked what their favorite plant and textile or pattern are in advance of starting the work, and all are represented in the image – bringing our love of the land, our cultures, and our ancestors together with color and vibrancy.
Lead artists: Jayeesha Dutta and Bekah Hinojosa with participating artists Yudith Nieto, Patricia Rubio, Monique Verdin, and Anne White Hat represented in the image, via their favorite plants, patterns, and textiles, are all of the above artists, as well as remaining members of the collective: Noel Didla, Sharon Hong, Liana Lopez, Bryan Parras, and Ramsey Sprague.