Drawing Between Two Worlds: The Art of Maye Torres

In the shadow of Taos Mountain, Maye Torres creates art that bridges worlds. Her monumental drawings and sculptures speak in a visual language that’s both ancient and avant-garde, shaped by the high desert of New Mexico and the rich cultural tapestry of Latin America.

Torres works on a scale that demands attention. Her large-format drawings transform walls into portals where mythological figures dance with contemporary forms. Each piece tells multiple stories simultaneously – a skill learned from growing up between cultures, where every story has at least two versions.

Her sculptures challenge conventional materials, combining modern industrial elements with traditional forms. These pieces often tower over viewers, creating intimate encounters with myth and memory. It’s as if the old stories her grandmother might have told have taken physical form, stepped out of time, and decided to have a conversation with the present.

The influence of New Mexico’s landscape is evident in her work’s organic forms and earthy palette, while Latin American magical realism infuses her pieces with an otherworldly quality. Religious iconography mingles with pre-Columbian symbols, creating a visual dialogue between different spiritual traditions.

Torres doesn’t just create art – she creates encounters. Whether through her commanding drawings or sculptural installations, she invites viewers to step into a space where different realities coexist, where ancient wisdom speaks to modern concerns, and where the spiritual and physical worlds meet in unexpected ways.