“Agua es via” by Cuervo Negro, 8”x10” Print
This piece was originally created for mutual aid going towards migrant justice along the US/Mexico border, but in the wake of Helene it takes on multiple meanings. Monarchs are a symbol of migration and also in día de muertos they carry the spirits of our ancestors. I chose them for both meanings-highlighting the natural tendency for migration- something our families have done for generations...well before the border was established, and also to honor all the people who have died while traveling across the border. Cempasúchil is a culturally significant flower, in medicines and ceremonies. It is used in Dia de los Muertos to guide our loved ones back to us. Lastly, the phrase agua es vida or water is life is a common sentiment and lifeway among Indigenous water protectors all across the globe. It rose to prominence in 2016 in the Standing Rock encampment against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Standing Rock was a political awakening for many of us, especially in regards to Indigenous sovereignty and water rights. In light of recent events that have shaken us here in WNC water has meant many things to us...it brought extensive damage and took many loved ones as well. Despite this, we quickly realized how much we need water to sustain us. Potable water became a luxury item, clean showers-a ceremony. Let the waters cleanse us of our grief, and let us continue to honor the waters for the life they give us.
“Agua es via” by Cuervo Negro, 8”x10” Print
This piece was originally created for mutual aid going towards migrant justice along the US/Mexico border, but in the wake of Helene it takes on multiple meanings. Monarchs are a symbol of migration and also in día de muertos they carry the spirits of our ancestors. I chose them for both meanings-highlighting the natural tendency for migration- something our families have done for generations...well before the border was established, and also to honor all the people who have died while traveling across the border. Cempasúchil is a culturally significant flower, in medicines and ceremonies. It is used in Dia de los Muertos to guide our loved ones back to us. Lastly, the phrase agua es vida or water is life is a common sentiment and lifeway among Indigenous water protectors all across the globe. It rose to prominence in 2016 in the Standing Rock encampment against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Standing Rock was a political awakening for many of us, especially in regards to Indigenous sovereignty and water rights. In light of recent events that have shaken us here in WNC water has meant many things to us...it brought extensive damage and took many loved ones as well. Despite this, we quickly realized how much we need water to sustain us. Potable water became a luxury item, clean showers-a ceremony. Let the waters cleanse us of our grief, and let us continue to honor the waters for the life they give us.
Cuervo lives in East Asheville, NC
The purchase of this print goes towards the artist and Hurricane Helene disaster relief in WNC by local nonprofit Grassroots AID Partnership
Please allow two weeks for our printer to create your prints before shipping.
