Mama Coca Photographs

MAMA COCA

2009/2011

Limited Edition Signed, 1 of 2

Dimensions: 13 1/2 inches x 23 1/2 inches

Deep in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the coca plant thrives. The plant contains alkaloids for Cocaine, a drug of endless stimulation. Cocaine is both paradise and hell for those on its dependence. It creates complete bliss in the moment, but as the high wears off, a sudden craving for more takes over the mind; it is never ending yearning. The desire for continued euphoria is all consuming, ultimately leading to a person’s destruction.

In Andean mythology, Mama Coca or Kuka Mama, is the goddess of health and happiness. She was a beautiful and promiscuous woman, which lead to her being sliced down the middle by her jealous lovers. From her remains, the first coca plant emerged from the earth.

As a child, I was always surrounded by Incan-Catholic culture, which inspired me to fashion my own image on this project as that of MAMA COCA. To this day, I remain fascinated with the coca leaf for having such rich, ancient spiritual significance.