“Rigoberta Menchú” – Text-Based Portrait Drawing

More than a portrait, Rigoberta Menchú by Gabriela Villafaña is a visual poem — a drawing made entirely from the activist’s own words. Every line, shadow, and fold in her face and clothing is crafted using handwritten fragments of Menchú’s poetry, creating a powerful image built from language itself. What makes this piece even more meaningful is the personal signature of Rigoberta Menchú in the upper corner, dated 23/9/18. Alongside it, she writes: “Son las huellas del tiempo. La vida en paz.” ("They are the marks of time. Life in peace.") This transforms the artwork into a one-of-a-kind, signed tribute — both visual and written — to her legacy of resilience, peace, and voice.