Nopalera, an allegory of diversity

The colors and shapes of the Nopalera are an allegory of the immense diversity of climates, flowers, animals and traditions that exist in the Mexican State of Morelos.

This sculpture has 33 tunas – or prickly pears – as a clear reference to the 33 municipalities that Morelos has.

The fact that the tunas are white and have a rough surface, was done with the intention to emphasize an aesthetic balance with the leaves’ multiple colors and smooth surface.

It can be noticed that one of the leaves hosts a little blue bird commonly known as “Western Bluebird” (or “Azulejo” in Spanish) and whose scientific name is Sialia mexicana. This species inhabits the open coniferous forests of Morelos as well as its farmlands. The fact that the bird was placed posing on one leaf, was done with the intention that the people of Morelos would become aware of the natural wide diversity, quite often unknown for many of the inhabitants of this small but colorful State.

Last summer, in 2015, this piece participated in the annual Popular Art Award at the Museo Morelense de Arte Popular (MMAPO) in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Data:
Davit Nava, Nopalera, 2015, paperboad and wooden base, 19.6 x 19.6 x 35.5 in / 50 x 50 x 90 cm