Conducted by Ole von Uexkull, on September 26, 2005
(Free to use)

Q: Why did you decide to spend your money on educational centres and cultural activities instead of using it for your own?

A: Well, during my artistic studies in Oaxaca, I found out that there existed neither libraries nor any art galleries which could help young people to get in touch with the things that were going on in Mexican art or in other places of the world.

Q: Why do animals play such an important role in your art?

A: I try to express one peculiarity of my community, of the Zapotec-isthmus culture in which I was raised.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for your region today?

A: Today, I think it's to try and make peace, because there's a lot of anxiety brought about by social changes, globalisation, kidnappings, poverty and the general instability of the country.

Q: What does this award mean to you?

A: It's very important because the government and the media have strongly disregarded me and this helps me in a sense that they have to take an interest in my work and that mine and Pro-OAX's proposals hopefully will be considered positive.