This sculpture is part of my Time Traveling Ancients series, which reimagines Mesoamerican deities and priestly figures as visitors to the 21st century. These ancient beings have journeyed through time to experience today’s Chicano/Latino bicultural world, they're curious, observant, and deeply connected to their descendants.
They’re here to see how we’re doing. To witness how our traditions have evolved, and to explore the complexity of modern life. These deities don’t shy away from technology or change, they embrace it. Some drive cars, others prefer Uber or Lyft, and all are fascinated by the rise of autonomous vehicles.
According to them, artificial intelligence isn’t new, it’s ancient. Our ancestors were already exploring its potential long before Europe emerged from the Middle Ages. In a way, it was their idea first.
The sculpture featured here, Celestial Juggler, depicts a time-traveling Tlamatini, a priest and astronomer whose sacred role was to interpret the movements of the heavens. In this piece, he juggles planets: a visual metaphor for balancing ancestral celestial knowledge with the evolving science of our own era. Plus, he likes to show us his mad skills.
Drawn to Flagstaff’s world-renowned astronomical research and its dedication to preserving dark skies, Celestial Juggler feels at home. He’s a bridge between worlds, honoring our enduring fascination with the cosmos and the timeless pursuit of understanding our place in it.
I’m absolutely thrilled that Celestial Juggler has been selected for the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition – a celebration of Public Art – at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. The sculpture will be on view from May 2025 through March 2026.
Special Opening Event:
Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM
Featuring a welcome by Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett
Location:
Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park
703 E. Sawmill Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-679-8000
I hope you get a chance to escape the desert heat and experience this sculpture in person!
