In the pantheon of Aztec mythology, few entities are as intriguing as the Centzon Totochtin, or the “Four Hundred Rabbits.” These were not mere animals, but a complex group of divine beings representing the various states of intoxication, fertility, and the lunar cycle. My latest work, a 3ft x 4ft acrylic on canvas, seeks to bring one of these rabbit deities into a modern, surrealist light.
The composition centers on the Rabbit God, enveloped in a palette of sunset pinks, deep oranges, and earthy browns. To enhance the mystical nature of the piece, I’ve incorporated abstract clouds with faces, representing the watchful ancestors.
A unique departure from traditional Mesoamerican iconography is the inclusion of two jellyfish protectors. These ethereal beings circle the deity, acting as translucent guardians. By blending oceanic forms with celestial Aztec lore, the painting challenges the viewer to see ancient gods not as static historical figures, but as living, evolving symbols of the subconscious.
