#20: El Sarape (The Sarape or Blanket) 2008

Marina Pallares created this small, eleven by eight centimeter print, titled '#20: El Sarape', using linoleum as a template. Here we see a sarape, or blanket, alongside objects synonymous with Mexican culture: a bottle of tequila, a sombrero, a trumpet, and a guitar. These are all carefully arranged, as though placed on an ofrenda, a type of offering which is often part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. It is as if Pallares is offering up the cultural symbols of Mexico, using the print as a means to explore questions of identity and heritage. The black and white linoleum print gives the image a striking graphic quality, reminiscent of broadsides which were often used to disseminate news and cultural information to a wide audience. Perhaps the artist wishes to offer the viewer a chance to reflect on how cultural identities are created, maintained and shared. The imagery evokes a sense of pride and belonging.