Interview with 2022 winner Daniel Aros-Aguilar!
New images from Daniel Aros-Aguilar project, Sandunga Nunca Muere.
APA Diversity Committee interviewed 2022 grant winner Daniel Aros-Aguilar on how the grant supported their project.
Give us an update on how the project has grown the last year and how the grant impacted that growth.
Since receiving the grant, I returned to Oaxaca to continue this series. I caught up with old friends and made some new ones. This time I traveled to Juchitan de Zaragoza in the Isthmus of Tehunatepec. This is the place of origin of the third gender in Zapotec culture. They identify not as male or female, but as Muxe. During this trip, I attended the vela of the Autenticas Intrepidas Buscadoras del Peligro. Queer identities from all over the world came together to celebrate the third gender and crown this year’s queen.
What are your future plans for the project?
I wish to return one more time. This time to have a more personal time with each person that I have met and strengthen our bonds. Like I did the first time I went. I think this last visit revolved a lot around the festivities, so there was tons of running around and schedules. I would love to spend a longer period of time the next time I return.
What tips do you have for current applicants of the grant?
Have a concise plan of what you wish to do if awarded this grant. Have a budget and logistics in place to go along with your creative approach. Don’t leave anything to the last minute, and make sure to double check before submitting
Anything else you would like to share with us? This can be about the project, the grant, where to follow your work, or anything else you would like to plug
The project is currently on view at Photoville in Brooklyn until June 18th. Two pieces from the series are also up for show at the Riverfront Library in Yonkers until June 17th.
"Sandunga Nunca Muere" will be showing for the first time at Blue Sky Gallery in Portland this November. Please keep up with me via instagram @senoraros.
