Eternal Michoacán

2025

Context:

I created an original illustration for Tzuco, the Chicago-based restaurant by Michelin-starred Mexican chef Carlos Gaytán. Each month, Tzuco celebrates a different Mexican state through gastronomy and art, showcasing the country’s cultural richness on its plates and walls.
For October, the featured state was Michoacán—my home state—and I had the honor of representing it with my work.

Objective:

To pay tribute to the cultural and natural essence of Michoacán through a vibrant, symbolic, and festive composition that connects tradition, memory, and identity.

Role:

Sole illustrator. Concept development, character design, color palette, and composition.

Concept:

Titled “Eternal Michoacán,” the piece celebrates three deeply rooted symbols:
– Day of the Dead, a living tradition that binds memory and community.
– Danza de los Viejitos, an expression of wisdom, joy, and cultural resilience.
– The monarch butterfly, an emblem of life, transformation, and Michoacán’s natural beauty.

The illustration unfolds as a surreal and maximalist scene, where traditions and nature intertwine in a timeless space.
Marigolds bloom around the central figure, candles illuminate the night, stars hint at the eternal, fish evoke Lake Pátzcuaro, and monarch butterflies flutter as symbols of movement and rebirth.
The main character, inspired by the Danza de los Viejitos, appears surrounded by vibrant ribbons and lively colors that express festivity and celebration.

Highlights:

– Surreal, festive composition blending cultural symbols and natural elements.
– Character illustration inspired by Michoacán’s traditional dance.
– Collaboration with Tzuco, connecting art, culture, and gastronomy.
– Visual storytelling that bridges tradition and contemporary identity.

Outcome:

The piece became part of Tzuco’s “Back to My Roots” menu, inspired by the beauty of Michoacán, featuring dishes such as:
– Corunda: a traditional Michoacán tamal made from corn masa with black beans, corn salsa, queso fresco, sour cream, and chile de árbol with tomatillo.
– Carnitas Tacos: handmade corn tortillas filled with pork carnitas, salsa tatemada, pickled carrot, cilantro, onion, and lime.

Tzuco described the piece as:

“Eternal Michoacán is an original illustration created for Tzuco by Michoacán artist @mariana.fraga.p. It pays tribute to the state’s cultural and natural richness through three emblematic symbols: the Day of the Dead, the Danza de los Viejitos, and the monarch butterfly.”

Being part of this collaboration was an honor — a way to return, once again, to my roots and share a piece of my homeland through art.