2016 Finalists

 “Let this stencil be a new homage to the life and struggle of the Guatemalan indigenous women, who continue giving us lessons of dignity and courage,” says Tinku. “My father took this photo of a Quiche woman, who walked amidst the morning mist on 16 May 1999.”⁣

⁣The 16 May 1999 marks the date of a constitutional referendum held in Guatemala which included four questions that were suggested in the Peace Accords. Among many objectives, the referendum aimed to prove Guatemala was a “multicultural, multilingual and multiethnic” country. 

It also sought to reform the role of the army, absolving it of internal security, allowing civilian courts to prosecute common crimes committed by army personnel, and allowing civilian personnel to occupy high positions of the Ministry of Defense. Whilst the No vote won the campaign overall, the Yes vote won regions with the highest indigenous population, consequently, the most affected by State violence during the war.⁣

Tinku’s portrait consists of aerosol on canvas, and also features salt and soil gathered from Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Africa, El Salvador, Guatemala and other places hit by State violence and discrimination.⁣ Tinku is based in Mexico City and has been making stencils since 2012. His work can be found on the walls of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. ⁣