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!