Nelson Barcenes Imagination Fund Application — Popol Vuh

Artist statement

I’m Nelson, a first-generation American dedicated to bringing an ancient, epic story to life. No, not The Odyssey. As the son of Central American parents, I grew up hearing my mom reference a book called the Popol Vuh, also known as Popol Wuj, the Book of the People, or the Book of the Woven Mat—a place where people gather to listen to the stories being told. The Popol Vuh is a breathtaking tapestry of creation and culture, a sacred narrative that resonates through the ages. Anyone brave enough to open the book is instantly transported to a world where creators and heroes intertwine, where creation emerges from silence, and where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. It serves as a spiritual guide, inviting us to grapple with the complexities of existence and the universal struggles that shape our lives.