About the work: Güegüense Times in the US

This particular series on masks from Nicaragua, is not idea based or stemming from cultural pride, found in many of my works. I painted because in the last two tumultuous years, I can't stop thinking of the story and its unconventional message against despotic authority and the call to folk heroes. “El Güegüense” is a Nicaraguan satirical drama that synthesizes Spanish and indigenous language, culture, music, and dance UNESCO declared the drama as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

Folkloric Hero. El Güegüense - 2025

The drama was originally created in Nahuatl, and the titular character draws his name from the Nahuatl word “huehue,” or old man. Rather than confront the colonial authors directly, El Güegüense appears to be subservient and cooperative, while cleverly manipulating appearance and language to trick them. El Güegüense lures the colonial authorities into setting up a marriage between his son and the governor’s daughter, thus allowing him to evade paying taxes to the Spanish crown. While some interpret El Güegüense as a manipulative and dishonest character, many Nicaraguans view him as a symbol of indigenous resistance, survival, and ingenuity. In addition to El Güegüense, other characters and dances that make up the procession include El Viejo y la Vieja, El Gigante, Las Inditas del Guacal, and El Toro Huaco. Like “El Güegüense,” El Toro Huaco combines Spanish and indigenous traditions to represent the ingenuity and tenacity of Nicaraguans’ resistance in order to survive the colonial era. (Text by Quixote Center)

El Güegüense resonates today as a symbol of resistance, offering a powerful lens to critique political deception and reclaim marginalized voices in the U.S. political climate.

Cultural Cargo - 2025