Manuel Navichoc

Artist statement
Biography
Exhibitions
Recognitions
Others

In my artistic creation, the work is characterized by line, texture, and color. In some cases, I connect parts of the human body, such as faces, hands, and feet, with local elements like güisquiles, pods, and bean seeds. Additionally, a fundamental aspect of my work is the traditional clothing from the western region of Guatemala. Most of my artwork is currently created using Indian ink, acrylic ink, and gold leaf, with colors ranging from black to various shades of gray. I also use a vivid red, which in many pieces is the dominant color. As an artist, I understand that the essence of life is made up of cells—microscopic particles that act autonomously. Based on this concept, I am convinced that “a face can convey an intimidating gaze, as well as a compassionate one,” depending on the essence of the individual. For this reason, faces, hands, and feet have become an essential part of my work, where I express what happens in my social environment. Meanwhile, the güisquiles, pods, and beans in my works are analogies I use to narrate moments in human life, where we sometimes have to endure hardship before enjoying life. Furthermore, the distance from my hometown influences my work, inspiring me to incorporate the linear patterns of the region’s traditional attire, achieving a sense of connection and allowing me to feel like a proud representative of the Tz’utujil ethnicity. In this way, with an abundance of iconography, I abstract my references while contextualizing them, giving them new significance. This approach creates a series of effects that captivate the viewer's gaze.

Manuel was born on May 20, 1992, in San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala. He began his art studies at the National School of Fine Arts (ENAP) “Rafael Rodríguez Padilla,” graduating as an Art Specialist in 2011. At the Higher School of Art of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC), he completed the required coursework for a Bachelor’s in Art in 2016. He is currently a professor at ENAP. He has participated in more than 70 exhibitions, both solo and group, from 2007 to 2024, including: Solo Exhibitions: 2019 “Sacrificios” at Espacio C Cultural Space, Chichicastenango, Quiché, Guatemala. Group Exhibitions: 2021 “Todo Aquello que Nos Llama,” organized by Galería GRID, Panama. 2018-2024 “JUNKABAL” art collective, held at the ANACAFE building in zone 14, Guatemala. 2016-2021 “Del Arte al Niño” contemporary art exhibition and sale, organized by the Funsilec Foundation at the Pradera Building, Guatemala. 2015-2024 “Momentos” exhibition, organized by the Santo Domingo Patronage of Guatemala. 2018 “Talento Crudo” group exhibition at El Sitio Cultural Center, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. 2013-2024 Participation in the “Arte En Mayo” Festival, organized by the Rozas Botrán Foundation at the Museum of Modern Art, Guatemala. Since beginning his artistic career, he has earned several accolades, including: 2024: First Prize at the Arte En Mayo Festival, organized by the Rozas Botrán Foundation, Guatemala. 2023: Artist of the Year, awarded by the Culture Institute of the Alejandro Von Humboldt Education and Culture Association and the Mexican Culture Seminar, Guatemala. 2022-2023: Honorable Mention at the Arte En Mayo Festival, organized by the Rozas Botrán Foundation, Guatemala. 2020: Finalist at the Arte En Mayo Festival, organized by the Rozas Botrán Foundation, Guatemala. 2018: Second Place in the “Talento Crudo” Group Exhibition, among others.