EVAN APODACA

Nocheztli (2010)

took place in Tucson, AZ.
Invitations were sent to residents whose yards have evidence of Cochineal, a native insect infestation which grows on much of the cacti throughout the region. Residents are asked to participate by allowing the artist to harvest the cochineal, which he then used to make a printing ink derivative.  Lino-cut block prints were made using the insect-based ink and then gifted to those participants. Depicted in the images is the long forgotten history of how the insects had been used in Mexico, pre- and post conquest for dyeing textiles and how the commodity was then adopted by the conquering Spanish. While focusing on the power the medium holds, the goal was to bring the land's native history to light.