Xico, or Xoloitzcuintle, is Mexico’s native dog species and also the first dog of the Americas. According to the Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintle guided the soul of his master to his final destination. Xico is also the main character in Xico Travesías por Latin America (Xico’s travels through Latin America), a project founded by Cristina Pineda aimed to build bridges through art and culture.
When I was invited to participate in the project I decided to create a Xico honoring the tradition of alebrijes where the characteristics of different animals mix – a Xico dog with chameleon eyes.
Chameleons have long been a symbol of change, agility and adaptation, reminding us that we should face big challenges wisely: in nimble manner. Chameleons can move their eyes independently of each other, which enables them to look in two different directions at the same time. They also have a full 360-degree view and can focus their eyes quickly as well as enlarge what they are looking at, just like a camera lens.
Contribution of Latin American artists
My contribution, the Xico-Chameleon, is 6.2 feet tall – 1,9 meter – and was exhibited at the Museum Park in Miami during the month of April 2017 at a Latin American artist exhibition. The group of artists that participated with their own version of Xico were Romero Britto (Brazil), Roberto Fabelo, Aldo Menéndez and Ivonne Ferrer (Cuba), Beatriz Savino and Aria Alessandra Scheer (Venezuela) and Daniel Hernández and myself (México).
Traditions and plurality
The project was initiated by one of Pinea Covalin’s brand founder Cristina Pineda, who started the project years ago with the intention of rescuing the roots, strengthening the identity and showing the world the history, traditions and cultural plurality of of Latin America.
Xico around the world
You will also find Xico figures in Mexico City, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, Santiago de Chile, Sao Paulo, Brussels, New York and Shanghai, in galleries of several cities as well as limited editions made with designers such as Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.
The featured top image displays the Xico sculptures at Miami’s Museum Park that belongs to Stephan La Guerre. The red and turqoise Xico-Chameleon by Davit Nava in the foreground.
