Pacha Mama de la Selva

Welcome to El Crocodile Negro’s second exhibition in New York and experience the

exceptional work of the Amazon rainforest’s finest artists.

My journey began in the sacred mountains of Cusco Peru - Los Apus. With my

heart dedicated to my mission of finding my maestros and healing through the plant

medicine I acquired a job in the Mercado de San Pedro in the heart of Cusco at a small

tienda de medicina botanical. Here is where I was introduced to my Maestra and

Maestro i.e. Mama and Papa who graciously welcomed me into their own home in the

jungle as well as their family.

Throughout my time spent in the Amazon learning their traditional medicine and rituals

from Mama and Papa I organically encountered each of the five artists whose work you

will have the pleasure of experiencing “Pacha Mama de la Selva.”

While residing with my Maestros I became close with Mama Maria’s son Euclides Ruiz

Lopez is one of the Shipibo artists you will find on display. His work is a stunning

depiction of his visionary journeys developed through ayahuasca and its sacred

teachings.

Benito another Shipibo artist you will find at the exhibition is a self-taught artist from

San Francisco de Yarinacocha en Pucallpa Peru. Benito and I serendipitously crossed

paths on one of my daily walks in the jungle while collecting plant medicine. His rich

Kené inspired work adds a delightful personable tone to the collection.

The work of Wilfredo is a virtuous nod to the sacred flora of the Amazon – utilizing

different native plants from the jungle not only as inspiration but as the medium itself

by creating his dyes. It is humbling and with great joy that I have watched my friend

grow in his artistic success - from our first meeting where he was selling his work in the

streets of Pucallpa to the present day where he is working out of his beautiful home studio

along with running a fruitful storefront.

Host or Publisher Kingston Pop Museum