Dark charcoal portrait of a woman with hoop earrings and dramatic lighting.

In this series of figurative art pieces, I explore the profound concept of Tlillan, or "Place of Darkness," a sacred space deeply rooted in Mesoamerican ritual landscapes. Utilizing charcoal and black paint, I aim to evoke the rich symbolism of negrura—darkness that is not merely the absence of light, but a powerful presence that embodies mystery, depth, and the sacred. The use of charcoal allows for a raw, expressive quality, capturing the essence of the liminal spaces that Tlillan represents—rock shelters, caves, and springs that serve as gateways to the mythical and the spiritual. Each stroke of black paint is intentional, creating a dialogue between shadow and form, inviting viewers to confront their own perceptions of darkness and the beauty that resides within it. See more