MUXE SERIES
Hugo Ximello-Salido (B. 1982) is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and language. Born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, Ximello-Salido's artistic journey began at a young age, influenced by his family's artistic heritage and his passion for creative expression. His early fascination with Mexican folk art and culture laid the foundation for his unique style, which blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary themes.
A pivotal moment in Ximello-Salido's artistic trajectory came during his teenage years when he first visited Oaxaca. This transformative experience ignited a lifelong connection to the region and its rich cultural heritage. Years later, his encounter with the Muxe community deepened his understanding of gender fluidity and inspired his latest project, MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture. By immersing himself in this unique hyperlocal community, Ximello-Salido sought to understand the present of gender duality, a practice deeply embedded in Zapotec indigenous culture and transmitted through generations. He believes that hyperlocal art practices can significantly impact national and global discourse.
Ximello Salido’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries and at events in Mexico, across the United States, and Europe, and the artist has been featured in several print articles. Ximello Salido's work in the United States includes an exhibit at the Agora Gallery in New York City, NY, participation in Art Santa Fe 2023, an exhibit at the Kansas City Museum, and group exhibitions at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. His permanent exhibition, "The Finesse of Gender Fluidity," at the Kansas City Kansas Community College, & "The Tuning of Gender Fluidity" at Casa de Peregrinos- Las Cruces, NM, further highlights the importance of understanding and celebrating diverse gender identities.
A pivotal moment in Ximello-Salido's artistic trajectory came during his teenage years when he first visited Oaxaca. This transformative experience ignited a lifelong connection to the region and its rich cultural heritage. Years later, his encounter with the Muxe community deepened his understanding of gender fluidity and inspired his latest project, MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture. By immersing himself in this unique hyperlocal community, Ximello-Salido sought to understand the present of gender duality, a practice deeply embedded in Zapotec indigenous culture and transmitted through generations. He believes that hyperlocal art practices can significantly impact national and global discourse.
Ximello Salido’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries and at events in Mexico, across the United States, and Europe, and the artist has been featured in several print articles. Ximello Salido's work in the United States includes an exhibit at the Agora Gallery in New York City, NY, participation in Art Santa Fe 2023, an exhibit at the Kansas City Museum, and group exhibitions at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. His permanent exhibition, "The Finesse of Gender Fluidity," at the Kansas City Kansas Community College, & "The Tuning of Gender Fluidity" at Casa de Peregrinos- Las Cruces, NM, further highlights the importance of understanding and celebrating diverse gender identities.
THE FINESSE OF GENDER FLUIDITY
Hugo Ximello-Salido
Mexican, born 1982
The Finesse of Gender Fluidity, 2023
Acrylic, ink, tinted resin, brass, copper tape, nailstacks, textiles (resplandor/huipil grande) copper lights, mixed media on canvas
I am interested in the intersection of gender fluidity and cultural traditions. The huipil grande, or resplandor, is a majestic ancestral headdress of the indigenous Zapotec peoples of Oaxaca, Mexico. It crowns the exposed bones of the painted figure, echoing La Catrina, the sacred Día de los Muertos symbol, representing the duality of life and death. The lettering on the sides of the canvas acknowledges the presence of third-gender expression throughout the world, deeply inspired in particular by the Muxe, a third-gender in Zapotec culture.
Mexican, born 1982
The Finesse of Gender Fluidity, 2023
Acrylic, ink, tinted resin, brass, copper tape, nailstacks, textiles (resplandor/huipil grande) copper lights, mixed media on canvas
I am interested in the intersection of gender fluidity and cultural traditions. The huipil grande, or resplandor, is a majestic ancestral headdress of the indigenous Zapotec peoples of Oaxaca, Mexico. It crowns the exposed bones of the painted figure, echoing La Catrina, the sacred Día de los Muertos symbol, representing the duality of life and death. The lettering on the sides of the canvas acknowledges the presence of third-gender expression throughout the world, deeply inspired in particular by the Muxe, a third-gender in Zapotec culture.
Previously exhibited at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Currently displayed at The Kansas City Kansas Community College’s permanent art collection.
Copper Fever |
Our Human Culture |
$2,500
28" x 22" x 16" Ink, Copper tape/wire, aluminum/copper/mash, copper lights & rubies on (1958) hand made copy of ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS Cello -West Germany, 2023 MANGO PIÑA
$1,900
30" x 24" x 15" Acrylic/ink, oil, palm tree & mixed media on canvas, 2022 |
$2,700
40" Diameter X 5" Pastel/Ink/Acrylic, Brass/wire, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Wood panel, 2022 Copper Crown
$2,200
40" diameter x 10" Textiles, aluminum copper/mash, copper tape/nails & mixed media on zildjian/resplandor, 2023 Abstracto N.4 Gender Fluidity
$1,900
28" X 22" X 16" Aluminum copper sheet & copper coil, 2023 |
US |
A Note to Gender Fluidity |
|
$1,400
16" x 14" x 5" Pastel/Ink/Acrylic, Brass/wire, Resplandor & Mixed Media on Wood panel, 2022 |
$2,200
15" x 21" x 10" Brass wire/copper coil, copper lights & Mixed Media on Brass Trumpet, 2022 |
Ladxido' de Muxe
|
Abstracto n.3~ Gender Fluidity$1,900
36" x24" Acrylic/Ink, Aluminum, Copper lights, Guitar strings, brass hinges & Mixed Media on Panel Wood, 2022 MuxhisimaThis piece is inspired by the vibrant resilience of the Muxe community. The artist has created a unique composition through a self-invented technique - the use of more than 25,000 toothpicks - showcasing the influence of Alebrijes (wooden Mexican folk sculptures). The intricate and elaborate result resonates with complexity, representing the ways gender fluidity and its infinite variations can be expressed on the canvas and in real life. The subject's mesmerizing gaze and sleek visage make this an exquisite piece of fine art. $7,000
24" x30" Acrylic/Ink, Resin, Toothpicks & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2022 Luminous Muxe
This painting represents the journey of accepting oneself, which can feel unattainable for some people. The diamonds are a reminder that the future looks promising even during times of adversity. Liquid gold and copper frame the portrait like a window, while the emanations of a black halo indicate evolution and self-respect. This respect is a hallmark of the Muxe community - they are respected by their parents, friends, and broader community. Ultimately, even when their identity is realized through hardship, a Muxe is always a blessing.
$2,500 72" x 35" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2020 The Path to Gender FluidityCreated in Mexico with traditional textiles, this sculpture is inspired by the topography of Oaxaca, where the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Mixtec Mountain ranges make the state one of the most diverse in terrain. The work represents the discovery of gender fluidity as a journey and the awareness that gender can be perceived through many lenses, including through the history of the Zapotec culture that still resonates today. The lighter path shows the way towards a better understanding of gender fluidity and the Muxe community's culture and traditions, as well as celebrating the personal discovery of such a rich culture and its Zapotecan heritage.
$10,000 349" (29.08 ft.) x 41" Textiles/Fabrics, Copper lights/brass on Lonetilla , 2021 Muxe
Rooted in the Muxe (third gender) community, this work explores the ancient concept of self-discovery - the celestial cards explain a divine providence.
$2,500 30" x 48" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018 The Tuning of Gender Fluidity
This sculpture is part of a series of works exploring gender fluidity. The de-constructed and re-configured manner of presenting the fiddle suggests how our perceptions of gender can be tuned just like an instrument. The light emanating from the body of the instrument depicts a breakthrough in this boundary as we achieve a better understanding of the many, equally valid ways gender can be expressed and perceived.
SOLD ~ PUBLIC ART~ ~ Permanently Exhibiting at Mesilla Valley Community of Hope at Las Cruses, NM. $2,500 26" x 18" Violin, brass/Copper wire, Mixed media on Antique Wooden Table, 2020 Muxe Monarca
Monarchs experience a complete transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. Muxes go through the same transformation to reveal who they really are - the adversity of this transformation is what makes them tough and resilient. SOLD
$2,900 36" x 12" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2019 The Intricate Soul of Alebrijes
The Intricate Soul of Alebrijes is a piece dedicated to projecting the complexity and intricacy of an alebrije's soul. The artist hopes to help the viewer imagine its creation from beginning to end, just as an alebrije (traditional Mexican folk sculpture) changes and evolves rapidly through the carving and painting process. The soul of an alebrije is mystical and enigmatic, like the sparkles of light emanating from within the cello. By transforming the conventional physical structure of the cello, the artist bridges the contextual and non-contextual gap, creating an atmosphere of wonder and self-awareness of how the soul of an alebrije can be imagined.
$4,000
52" x 17" x 21" Ink, Coil, & Mixed Media on Cello, 2021 Ni idea, No idea
This piece explores self-identification. The Catrina (elegant skull) seems confused at what box she fits. Her lack of skin emphasizes her confusion, since we all have the same bones and are the same inside.
$1,300 20" x 20" Acrylic, Ink & Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018 |
