Multidisciplinary artists Adaysela Reyes and Smith bring Indigenous roots to life through theatrical makeup, wearable art, and pre-Hispanic cultural storytelling, WHYY reported.
Reclaiming Pre-Hispanic Deities Through Performance
For Adaysela Reyes, artistic expression serves as a direct bridge to her heritage. Using makeup and theatrical artistry, she brought pre-Hispanic Mexican traditions into the present tense during the Delaware Art Museum event. Rather than relying on a traditional runway walk, her presentation incorporated acting and theatrical staging to honor ancestral figures. One of her central pieces featured an interpretation of Mictecacíhuatl, a deity associated with pre-Hispanic Mexican traditions, alongside representations of Aztec deities such as the Feathered Serpent, Quetzalcoatl.
“I’m from the south-central part of the State of Mexico, from a place called Tenancingo, which is actually a small city very rich in pre-Hispanic culture,” Reyes said, explaining her creative motivation. “So, I feel that this reconnection of looking back and saying, ‘Okay, what is it about my city, the town where I was born, that I can also represent in this show, in this event?’”
Reyes views her work as a deliberate challenge to the misconception that Indigenous traditions belong strictly to the past. By introducing these visual narratives to a contemporary audience, she highlights stories of identity, resilience, and cultural continuity.
Blending Traditional Craftsmanship with Modern Design
Sharing the spotlight, artist and designer Smith of the Tuscarora Nation demonstrated how fashion can preserve ancestral craftsmanship while fitting easily into contemporary life. Smith relies on traditional techniques including porcupine quillwork, beadwork, and weaving to construct her wearable art collections.
Her designs incorporate elements that honor generational knowledge, such as black ash baskets traditionally used by Mohawk weavers to wash corn. By weaving these functional historical techniques into her modern pieces, Smith creates a full-circle tribute to indigenous artisans.
“For me, I like to show the world that Indigenous people are resilient. No matter what we’ve been through, we are still here and we’re still thriving,” Smith said.
Together, the presentations by Reyes and Smith at the Delaware Art Museum highlight the ongoing evolution of Indigenous art, proving that ancestral roots continue to thrive through modern creative expression.
