Rebirth
A contemporary sculptural composition inspired by Late Classic Maya zoomorphic art, honoring the mastery and artistic techniques of ancient Maya artisans of Guatemala. The work draws upon ancestral forms while reinterpreting them through a modern artistic language.
The sculpture references Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, the powerful ruler of Tikal in present-day Petén, Guatemala. His ceremonial headdress features sacred power animals, symbolizing divine connection, wisdom in leadership, royal authority, and spiritual nobility—standing as a bridge between heaven and earth.
Central to the composition is the Tree of Life (Yaxché), a sacred symbol of the Maya cosmos. Its branches represent the sky, life, fertility, and the eternal cycle of existence, while the throne anchors the earthly realm. The roots extend into the underworld, forming a cosmic pathway through which souls travel in their journey of renewal and rebirth.
Artist: JUAN ANTONIO CASTELLANOS GARCÍA
