COlabs x CBloxx x Akumal Arts | ‚Twin Heroes‘

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

‘TWIN HEROES’ – AKUMAL, MEXICO (2020)

Mid-pandemic, with a US-international travel ban in effect and a scant few places we could even meet, our reunion was set for Akumal, Mexico. We didn’t realize it at the time, but the project/adventure would reveal how much cosmic beauty still remains in this world when you pause to take a look. During our stay with Akumal Artists Residency we took a day long roundtrip journey from Akumal pueblo to Sian Ka’an Biosphere with Ibraham, a charismatic tour guide, educator + proud Yucatec Mayan. Rambling down a dirt road which often resembled the surface of the moon, we absorbed hours of Ibraham’s wisdom. One observation resonated in particular — ‘We are in the Riviera Maya, but where are the Maya?’ This simple question lingered in the air and on our minds, transforming the way we interpreted the landscape as we progressed, ultimately informing the narrative for this mural and short film.

’Twin Heroes’ is one of the most famous Mayan myths, a story told to demonstrate the complementary pairings of life + death, sky + earth, sun + moon. As per nerdy standard, Jay extensively researched the tale, which speaks of reincarnation, energy transfer, of two brothers in perpetual pursuit of enlightenment until they are ultimately reanimated as deities. It seemed so fitting for a mural that was to be created at the school entrance, in tribute to two former students who had tragically lost their lives.

With our newfound perspectives, we sought to honor the students and the heritage of this region with a poem translated into Mayan by Ibraham, and performed in his native language.

Special thanks @akumalartsfestival + the people of Akumal pueblo for their unending warm during our stay. We will see you again soon!