Time & the Elements;
The changing nature of Las Madres
         

One of the most dramatic aspects of The Mothers; Las Madres project is witnessing the sculptures break down over time in the elements. Made from poor clothing migrants have worn in the desert and then shed along the way, clothing that carries the blood, sweat, and tears of the wearer, The Mothers; Las Madres will exhibit naturally occurring chemical changes like our own fragile bodies when exposed to the sun, the wind and the rain.   The inner armature made from steel rebar and plaster will hold up to the elements while the surface of the figures; the ephemeral “skin” will crack, fissure and shred before deteriorating entirely.

In keeping with our commitment to the use of natural found fiber in making the sculptures, the figures were sealed with an encaustic plant based resin and beeswax varnish. The dynamic relationship between the sculptures and the surrounding environment is amazing to behold.

Check back with us each season as we document the changes. "In the summer of 2006, the hottest time of the year in Southern Arizona, Las Madres began to weep (see article "In the News.")

Fall/Winter, 2007

Fall/Winter- Las Madres

Spring/Summer, 2007

Winter 2006-07

Winter, 2006-07

Many imigrants crossing the desert expire from Hypothermia

 

Early Summer, 2006

The Mothers are now weeping.

 

Spring 2006
Time and the Elements begin to degrade the surface.


The second Madre’s surface is beginning to melt.


 Installation Winter 2005
Freshly sealed with natural resin and beeswax

 

“How powerful it is to see that Las Madres have begun to cry. So should we all.”

Johane Cherico
Wilmington, DE

 

 

 

 

 

“Las Madres is Amazing, an amazing memorial tribute to the thousands of souls walking across a desert as hot as hell itself.”

Linda Schoppert,
Napa, Ca.