The Art of Rebellion | Los Angeles, CA

My name is Votan, descendant of the Maya-Nahua in Kuzkatlan (what is commonly called El Salvador). According to the Gregorian calendar, I am 30 years old and I was born here in "Yangna" commonly called Los Angeles. My respect and gratitude goes out to the Tongva peoples whose land we have occupied and demised. I currently live in Echo Park with my indigenous family. I use my gift to uplift the legacy of our ancestors, from down south to up north. Recognizing no Euro-American borders, even though America has “Hollywoodized” indigenous peoples, we stand strong as diverse natives of Yaxichilan, turtle island. Living under occupied “Indian land” we resist, survive, and transcend. Mainstream, fearful Anglo-America has tried to impose their shallow ways over our culture, which has been around centuries before Columbus’s descendants could think rationally. And this is one of many ways we defy it. Through indigenous art!

Mitakuye Oyasin! To all our relations...
Love and respect to “Tatik” the Great Spirit, my duality Ikahn and descendant: Tlahtoani!