The Pier / El Muelle

The Pier (El Muelle) by David Ordoñez Lacayo is a vibrant portrayal of Guatemalan community life, rendered in the artist’s signature bold color and fine detail. Set against a backdrop of Lake Atitlán with its deep blue waters and surrounding volcanoes, the painting centers on a gathering of villagers, all adorned in traditional striped huipiles and straw hats, preparing to board or return from the dock. The composition captures a shared sense of place, tradition, and quiet movement, where even stillness carries story.
Lacayo’s use of color is striking — cool blues and lush greens contrast with the warm reds and deep purples of the garments, adding depth and rhythm to the scene. The framing of the wooden dock draws the eye outward, extending the visual space into the landscape beyond.