Ya’a Kuiína’a (Ed. 8/9)

Mythical and intense, Ya’a Kuiína’a by Carlos Z. captures a surreal assembly of human and animal spirits in bold lines and radiant color. The central figure — a deer-headed being with a humanoid body — stands surrounded by creatures that seem drawn from both jungle and dream: a monkey, owl, lizard, and hybrid beasts, all depicted with electrifying energy and expressive movement. Engraved with high-contrast black lines and carefully accented with red, yellow, and green hand coloring, the work feels both ancient and immediate. The figure’s powerful stance and penetrating eyes suggest a protector or shape-shifter — one that lives in the liminal space between the natural world and the human mind. Set in a vibrant yellow frame that further enhances the mystical tone, this is a striking piece that rewards long looking.