A stylized, black-and-white illustration of a mythical creature combining features of a dragon and a lion, surrounded by intricate patterns.

Canvas in Stone

Journey Through the Maya Underworld

Gallery QI - UCSD

San Diego, California

Reception: April 24th, 2024

A few years ago I ventured into the Maya Underworld. I decided to experience the cave as the Maya did thousands of years ago. I was interested in how this sacred landscape came to be, how the Maya lords of the underworld were perceived and how this realm of stone and water as animated, a house of spirits that contained the essential components for life on earth. This exhibit at the Gallery QI at University of California at San Diego, provides an opportunity to enter, see, hear and experience the cave through a multicolored light palette.

View from inside a cave looking up towards the sunlight shining through trees outside opening.

View from inside a cave looking up towards the sunlight shining through trees outside opening.

Close-up of yellow coral with long, thin branches.

Close-up of yellow coral with long, thin branches.

Close-up of bright green fiber optic cables or strands arranged in parallel lines.

Close-up of bright green fiber optic cables or strands arranged in parallel lines.

An illuminated art installation of red stalactite and stalagmite formations with a reflective black floor.

An illuminated art installation of red stalactite and stalagmite formations with a reflective black floor.

Close-up of textured surface illuminated by blue and purple light, creating an abstract pattern.

Close-up of textured surface illuminated by blue and purple light, creating an abstract pattern.

A cave with numerous stalactites hanging from the ceiling, illuminated with warm lighting that highlights their textures and formations.

A cave with numerous stalactites hanging from the ceiling, illuminated with warm lighting that highlights their textures and formations.

Illuminated stalactites and stalagmites inside a dark cave, lit with yellow-green lighting.

Illuminated stalactites and stalagmites inside a dark cave, lit with yellow-green lighting.

Close-up of a firework explosion with vibrant red streaks against a dark background.

Close-up of a firework explosion with vibrant red streaks against a dark background.

Inside a lush green cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling, water at the base reflecting the cave's formations.

Inside a lush green cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling, water at the base reflecting the cave's formations.

A person wearing a helmet standing in a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by natural light, and reflected in water.

A person wearing a helmet standing in a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by natural light, and reflected in water.

Green glowing stalactites and stalagmites inside a cave with a reflective pool at the base.

Green glowing stalactites and stalagmites inside a cave with a reflective pool at the base.

A person wearing a red helmet exploring a large cave with glowing orange stalactites and stalagmites, reflected in a still pool of water.

A person wearing a red helmet exploring a large cave with glowing orange stalactites and stalagmites, reflected in a still pool of water.

Colorful stalactites and stalagmites inside a cave, illuminated with red and green lights, with water reflecting the formations.

Colorful stalactites and stalagmites inside a cave, illuminated with red and green lights, with water reflecting the formations.

Underground cave chamber with stalactites hanging from ceiling, illuminated with multicolored lights in red, yellow, and green, creating a dramatic and vibrant scene.

Underground cave chamber with stalactites hanging from ceiling, illuminated with multicolored lights in red, yellow, and green, creating a dramatic and vibrant scene.

An illuminated underground cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and water at the bottom reflecting green and yellow lights.

An illuminated underground cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and water at the bottom reflecting green and yellow lights.

Looking up at a dense jungle canopy with intertwined tree branches, vines, and leaves.

Looking up at a dense jungle canopy with intertwined tree branches, vines, and leaves.

Inside a cave with orange stalactites hanging from the ceiling and turquoise water flowing at the base.

Inside a cave with orange stalactites hanging from the ceiling and turquoise water flowing at the base.

A cave with stalagmites and stalactites covered in mineral deposits, with greenish water at the cave's entrance.

A cave with stalagmites and stalactites covered in mineral deposits, with greenish water at the cave's entrance.

View inside a cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor, reflected in a calm body of water.

View inside a cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor, reflected in a calm body of water.

Colorful underground cave with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by red and blue lights.

Colorful underground cave with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by red and blue lights.

Close-up of red fiber optic cables or strands against a dark background.

Close-up of red fiber optic cables or strands against a dark background.

Close-up of red starfish with blue spots on its surface, dark background.

Close-up of red starfish with blue spots on its surface, dark background.

Canvas in Stone

Prints

All prints are available in various sizes and they are printed on aluminum mat or glossy finish and they come with a hanger system. Please see Print Store for selection and price. (*prices include shipping)