AN ONLINE EXHIBITION
FROM THE CLOUDS | Ancient Zapotec culture and craft and why it is relevant today
Together with the Benizaa family at Dixza Rugs Organic farm and UK photographer James Bannister we are excited to present a collection of traditional and contemporary Zapotec rugs, film photography and limited edition backpacks
Available now on the Slow Made Shop until December 2020
Inspired by a journey
In the Spring of 2019 Francli founder Ali Goodman travelled to Oaxaca, Mexico on a search for design and craft inspiration. Her journey lead her to the indigenous village of Teotitlán Del Valle in the Central Valley of Oaxaca where the community is renowned for their ancient Zapotec culture and tradition of weaving.
The family at Dixza Rugs Organic Farm welcomed Ali into their home for a collaborative ‘Maker Residency’ project, sharing their Benizaa heritage, the weaving and natural dyeing techniques of Teotitlan and the stories behind traditional Zapotec patterns.
Inspired by their way of life in Teotitlan, Ali created a bespoke bag for each member of the family, combining a handwoven ‘Tapete’ of their choosing with materials gathered from local markets.
Photographer James Bannister later joined Ali on the farm where he learnt about traditional natural dyeing techniques with Leonar, accompanied Celestino on his daily farm tasks and sat with Mario as he worked the loom. He captured everyday moments of Dixza Farm life with his medium format camera, mirroring the slow and laborious nature of the day with the considered approach needed to shoot analog photography.
‘We believe that this ancient knowledge has many answers that are appropriate to the current challenges that the world faces today: from environmental sustainability, social justice, land management, food production and the search for fulfilment and meaning in life’
Samuel Bautista Lazo
Exhibiting in the UK
Ali and James wanted to bring together their unique offerings with the handwoven artwork of Dixza Rugs Organic Farm for a collective showcase in the UK. Celebrating the lifestyle and ideas of the Benizaa family that inspired them.
The first collaborative exhibition was held at Open Surf, St.Agnes, Cornwall in October 2019. A fitting space for these hand made pieces as a surfboard factory and shop dedicated to experimental craft and craftsmanship.
The original plan at the start of 2020 was to travel with the exhibition to Bruton in Somerset where our friends Hole + Corner would continue the show. However we were forced to change these plans in the face of the pandemic.
The unfolding situation in Teotitlan Del Valle
Over the Spring we caught up with Samuel Bautista Lazo, the eldest son at Dixza Organic Rugs farm. He explained how his village were already feeling the pressure of the pandemic as the community and local economy relies heavily on international tourism. Yet he remained positive and proactive, working hard to help local weavers get their work out through his website and social media channels.
Later into the Summer we were heartbroken to hear the virus had reached their remote village, an unforgettable update recorded 16 Covid fatalities in just 15 days with no operating clinic for the first month. Today the number has risen to 80 fatalities. This is in a rural village of just 8000 people.
Despite the struggles of his own village and efforts to support them, Sam and his family refused to become isolationist. When a 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Southern and Central Mexico in June, he jumped into action to fundraise and help organise clean ups and aid for the 200 Zapotec families that had been affected in San Juan Ozolotepec.
It is Sam’s open hearted and energetic spirit that has inspired us to keep this exhibition alive and do what we can to stay connected with Teotitlan Del Valle from afar.
Donate to Sam’s fundraiser for one of the poorest villages hit by the earthquake
Going online
We couldn’t physically take the exhibition where we hoped, but we can adapt. And so we’re excited to present this collaboration online.
We believe in the purchasing power of our community and so 100% of the profits of these rugs will go straight back to the hands that made them in Teotitlan Del Valle. At a time when everyone is struggling, and travel is restricted, it is reassuring to know we can still experience the vibrant artwork of our native friends, and the valuable stories that come with them.
Photography by James Bannister