The above 3 minute video is a small portion of a live performance piece and art installation, inspired by Kukulkan Pyramid at the Mayan site of Chichen Itza. This site is only one example of the technical and engineering prowess of the Maya culture which occupied much of pre-Hispanic Central America. Kukulkan pyramid, named for the feathered serpent deity, was designed with precise astronomical alignments built in. Large forces of manpower and resources would have been necessary to construct this impressive site. While we may never know the original function or meaning of this structure, Chichen Itza and Kukulkan pyramid have inspired people for centuries. With this art piece I wanted to highlight some of the ideas that are connected to this ancient structure, as well as start a dialogue about how modern people interact with and interpret cultural heritage sites.
In modern times this site is a huge tourist destination and has become a source of curiosity amongst many groups with various motives and intentions. For instance the History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens” often references Chichen Itza and the Maya culture in general. I wanted to critique modern assumptions about this site and reignite a sense of mystery around this pyramid, with the use of visual art.
Geri Evilla 