An Intensive Cultural Immersion in Oaxacan Art, Craft & Design generating Connection & Creative Research
In partnership with the Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico (UDEM), OCAD University was honoured to announce a generative cultural creative exchange inspired by travel to Oaxaca, Mexico. Prompted by an intensive week of workshops at the Textile Museum, this was an opportunity for students to connect and collaborate through exposure to the traditional arts and crafts, design, cuisine, and archeology of Oaxaca, Mexico. Recognizing the privilege of travelling to Oaxaca, students had the opportunity to learn from a region that has continually been shaped by at least 16 Pre-Hispanic Indigenous communities, notably the inventive cultures of the Zapotec and Mixtec, all who have nurtured their land rich in natural resources and beauty.
The trip was focussed upon two sets of intensive daily workshops. In the mornings at the Oaxaca Textile Museum the students learned traditional dying and embroidery techniques from Adriana and Boris. We used marigold, cochineal, and indigo to layer dyes, making patterned fabric samples. We learned Indigenous Oaxacan methods of procuring natural dyes, most specifically the painstaking process of harvesting and making powered indigo dye still used to this day. In the afternoons at Studio Nacuanda, Isabel and Omar taught us backstrap weaving. This seemingly simple weaving method has been used historically by Indigenous women to weave textiles for the home, while also supporting their families through the sale of their creations. We found the process extremely difficult. Upon reflection we gained deep reverence toward those that continue this laborious practice, passed down through generations in Oaxaca.
Although exhausted at the end of the day, we stuck together to for chatter-filled group dinners of Oaxacan food and we visited artisan markets filled with colours derived from the land, textiles, and incredible handmade products. On our many walks night and day, we witnessed vibrant Oaxacan social life with music, parades, and even communal protest. On the third day of our trip, the city streets filled with tents and tarps that housed education workers accompanied by their families. Union negotiations and protests, for better pay and working conditions, happened publicly in the city square. In 2016 educators protests tragically ended in 6 deaths, yet these protests were peaceful. In our Canadian eyes, it was surprising to see activism practiced so openly and directly, fully integrated into Oaxacan daily life. On the final day of the trip, the students toured Monte Alban, dated at sixth century BCE the ruins encompass a Zapotec metropolis carved out of its mountain site. It includes marvellous pyramids, symbols of a sacred topography, and amazing views across the region. The tour culminated in two workshops - a black pottery studio (literally derived from volcanic clay), and a workshop for the intricately hand-painted Alebrijes (imaginative papier-mâché animal-like creatures invented in Oaxaca).
Returning to Toronto, the students found our city too quiet and colourless by comparison.
“The reverence that the people of Oaxaca have for colour and visual culture had a profound effect on me. It encouraged me to be unabashed in my own art practice; to embrace colour, texture, and experimentation. I’ve made lasting friendships with our Oaxaca group and together we continue to build on the fond memories we shared from the experience.” - Cherie Leung, DRPT student
"I am intensely proud of this group of students. We became family. Energized upon their return to the OCAD U studio, the students made truly impressive work that sensitively and audaciously contextualized this extraordinary trip to Oaxaca, Mexico." - Anda Kubis