Healer and Warrior

---

This work is born from the powerful duality of the human spirit. Inspired by the healing practices of Curanderismo—specifically the plática, a raw, heart-to-heart conversation. In doing so, I l bare my struggles and confront the erasure of Mexica knowledge and the decimation of its people through time and across borders.

I believe that love and joy have the power to unite us but so does suffering. When we hide our scars, we deny ourselves the chance to heal and move forward into the unknown with hope and resilience.

Working interdisciplinarily with sculpture and painting, I have combined naturally occurring objects like tree branches to symbolize both decay and renewal. Mexican Sycamore tree leaves are transformed into gray moths- symbols of transformation. The gray moth emphasizes the importance of trusting our instincts, having faith in our inner guidance, and embracing change. The pages within the work are singed and burned by fire, then wilted with water—elements in Curanderismo used to cleanse the spirit. These pages carry my own poetry, born from moments of struggle, alongside journal entries from my mental health journey through therapy. A panel rests on two hand-carved and burned wooden blocks, representing the male and female energies of creation and the balance between them. The panel itself reflects my ancestral roots—hand-carved wooden panels etched and burned with the Xicalcoliuhqui, the square spiral that signifies interconnectedness and the passage of time. Painted on this panel is the symbol of the Ollin, representing movement and action with all of one’s heart. This symbol is deeply tied to the cyclical rhythms of nature, and the red throughout the piece reflects the enduring bloodlines of the Mexica people that lead to my own creation.

Each element serves as a metaphor for transformation and the journey of life. By presenting this work, I honor my ancestors and the blood that courses through my veins, offering a glimpse into who I am and create a space where I can live in complete authenticity.

Fire and Water.
Joy and Suffering.
Strength and Vulnerability.
Light and Dark.
Healer and Warrior.

- Diana Rocha