This photo is a first attempt to combine my passion for mythology, fashion, world cultures and exploration of ancient places in my new portfolio.
Last week I had the chance to visit one of my childhood dream places, Chichen Itza, during my vacations in Cancun. On the three-hour ride there, I saw a drawing made in the 19th century when Chichen Itza was re-discovered by explorers, found hidden in the thick jungle. We learned so much about Mayan civilization since then, and today Chichen Itza is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lithograph of Chichén Itza by Frederick Catherwood, published in the 1840s.
As we stepped into the site, I was overwelmed to see the Pyramid of Kukulcan revealing itself through the trees under the blazing sun. The pyramid was erroneously called El Castillo (the Castle) by the Spanish Conquistadors, but it is in fact a physical representation of the Mayan Calendar, filled with astronomical knowledge, embeded in mythological stories (each step representing one day in the calendar, with 91 steps on each side).
According to legend, twice a year when the day and night are in balance, the pyramid is visited by Kukulcan, the feathered serpent god, who returns to earth to commune with his worshipers, provide blessing for a full harvest and good health before entering the sacred water, on his way to the underworld.
So much of Mayan history and myth has been lost, but every year archeologists uncover more and more, and the endless fascination of tourists that visit this and other sites brings business that help with preservation and creation of art inspired by this civilization.
I wanted to create an image of a modern explorer, walking towards a fortress of lost knowledge, hidden in time, searching for wisdom, beauty and inspiration. I hope you enjoy it.
