Iximaltic, means cornfield in Tojolabʼal, a Mayan language. This project aims to showcase the native corn diversity in Mexico. Currently, there are approximately 64 unique varieties of corn types with different colors, sizes, and tastes.
However, the reliance on genetically modified (GM) corn, introduced from the US, impacts their existence at multiple levels. The native species have adapted for millennia to local specific environmental conditions, thanks to this they require require less water and can be more pest-resistant, cross-contamination and pollution with GM corn can easily modify their requirements and lead to failure. Additionally, because of the large production capacity of GM corn and sale prices, native corn prices have become less competitive and hence, less attractive for farmers to cultivate.
The pieces are based on multiple 3D printed elements of different local clays, sourced and in some cases colored with natural processes by Couer de Terre. Some of the printed pieces were also fired using open fire, which provides a natural multicolored raw finish because of fire reduction and condition variability. The ceramic elements are woven together with native corn husk of purple cacahuazintle and Oaxaca green corn, using basketry techniques adapted to the materials selected.
The pieces were presented at BARRO, an exhibition curated by Marinés Soria and Alejandra Rojas, as part of NYLAT 2025 (New York Latin American Triennale).
CREDITS
_Artist: Edurne Morales
_Machines, clay, firing, and material donation: Coeur de Terre
_Open fire: Sadik Yigit, Bahar Al Bahar
_Corn sourcing: Marina Zúniga, Oscar González, Edurne Morales
_Special thanks to my family for a month of eating corn
_Photos and videos: Bahar Al Bahar, Edurne Morales
