Acrylic on Canvas 12" by 16"

On December 22nd 1997, 45 indigenous Tzotzil Mayans were massacred by the government of Mexico. The right wing paramilitary group that murdered the townspeople, including children and pregnant women, were targeting the pacifist group Las Abejas (the bees).

Guadalupe Vázquez Luna lost her family in the massacre, and has spent her life since advocating for indigenous rights, carrying on the legacy of @lasabejasdeacteal

The bees surrounding her adorn traditional Acteal patterns, and her hair shows the image of the statue erected to honor the victims.

Part of a series of portraits highlighting women who have survived and endured extreme trauma, who then dedicated their lives to preventing such events from happening to others.

Guadalupe Vázquez Luna