People of Maize
(Life in the Guatemalan Countryside 10 years after the civil war)

Paintings

Diego

Many years ago, Diego lived happily with his family in his small village. One day he went together with his eldest son to work the fields of a neighbouring village for a few days as he often did. He could not imagine that he was never going to see his family or his native village again.

Acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Juana I.

Juana remembered the day when the soldiers came and how they called everyone for a meeting. She had a strange feeling about it and tried to convince her husband not to go and to runaway instead. But he did not listen to her and stayed. Juana talked to her eldest son and took her youngest son and they all three fled. They were the only ones from their family who survived. After some time they came back and Juana got married again.

Acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Juana II

Juana was lucky, she managed to survived along with the rest of her family. When the soldiers came they were not in the village. She is well respected because she is a midwife helping women to give birth to more local children.

Acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Katal

Some of Katal’s relatives died during the massacres and her husband shortly afterwards. She has never re-married although she would have good chances because of her charming character. The 4 children she brought up now have their own families so Katal lives alone in her tall house.

Acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Pedro

From 13 years, Pedro worked in big farms on the southern coast of Guatemala to support his parents, brothers and sisters. It is here where he learnt his Spanish and to read a little. Since then he has got married and now has 12 children. He admires his wife because he says she is the reason why they survived the massacres. She decided that they had to leave and hide out in the mountains until the situation calmed down again. When they came back to the village, they built a new house and lived out the rest of the war happily. They grow organic coffee and sell it to the USA, where two of his sons also work. Because of this, the family has some wealth. Pedro thanks God every day.

Acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Empty House

Maria’s husband died recently, she survived all the hardships of life with him including the massacres and the burning of their village. Now only emptiness has stayed in the house and in souls of the familiars.

Acrylic on canvas, 60x45cm

People of maize

Ancient Mayas believed that Gods created people from maize, that is why they are sometimes called People of Maize. Today, maize is still the most important staple diet of the village. It has always been sacred for the Maya people and not one grain can be wasted.

Acrylic on canvas, 45x60cm

Small village

A small village in a broad valley that has better connection with Mexico than with their own country. People have to walk 3 hours in order to reach the road in Guatemala. All the inhabitants a few years ago lived as refugees in Mexico. They returned as soon as it was possible but still remember with nostalgia how the life in Mexico seemed more privileged. They grow everything they need but to earn money they have to go as they say “to the other side”, back to Mexico. The school does not run all the time because it lacks teachers. But there is not much time for studying anyway, because there is always so much work to be done on the field or in the house.

Acrylic on canvas, 60x45cm

Malin

Malin is a one and a half year old. She does not talk, does not walk, does not smile or cry. She is far away, deep in her own mind observing the outside world with her big serious adult eyes.

Acrylic on canvas, 60x45cm

Mother

Acrylic on paper, 20x30cm

Witches

Isabela had a son, her first child, who was full of joy and happiness. But one day he came down with a high fever, and then it started. Isabela saw strange figures wandering around the house, witches she said. Nothing could be done to help her son, local herbs or injections of penicillin didn’t work. After 3 days, he was dead and the witches disappeared.

Acrylic on canvas, 46x60cm

Mountain village

A village is located in rough and cold mountainous country. The locals call this area “Tierra fria” (cold land). The earth here does not give kindly. You have to work hard to insure your family is fed. These Maya people are more independent and proud of their indigenous Maya religions. The souls of their ancestor’s it is said guard unbelievable treasures, which are hidden in secret caves deep beneath the mountains.

Acrylic on canvas, 60x45cm