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MAMA COCA

Grimanesa Amorós MAMA COCA, 13.5 x 23.5-inch limited edition signed photograph, 1 of 2, documenting the MAMA COCA project exploring the coca plant's dual nature as paradise and destruction, rooted in Andean mythology of Mama Coca or Kuka Mama, goddess of health and happiness, with the artist fashioning her own image as MAMA COCA in homage to the coca leaf's rich ancient spiritual significance, published in Irreversible Magazine, Miami, FL. Photography by Grimanesa Amorós, 2009/2011.
Grimanesa Amorós MAMA COCA, 13.5 x 23.5-inch limited edition signed photograph, 1 of 2, documenting the MAMA COCA project exploring the coca plant's dual nature as paradise and destruction, rooted in Andean mythology of Mama Coca or Kuka Mama, goddess of health and happiness, with the artist fashioning her own image as MAMA COCA in homage to the coca leaf's rich ancient spiritual significance, published in Irreversible Magazine, Miami, FL. Photography by Grimanesa Amorós, 2009/2011.
Grimanesa Amorós MAMA COCA, 13.5 x 23.5-inch limited edition signed photograph, 1 of 2, documenting the MAMA COCA project exploring the coca plant's dual nature as paradise and destruction, rooted in Andean mythology of Mama Coca or Kuka Mama, goddess of health and happiness, with the artist fashioning her own image as MAMA COCA in homage to the coca leaf's rich ancient spiritual significance, published in Irreversible Magazine, Miami, FL. Photography by Grimanesa Amorós, 2009/2011.
Grimanesa Amorós MAMA COCA, 13.5 x 23.5-inch limited edition signed photograph, 1 of 2, documenting the MAMA COCA project exploring the coca plant's dual nature as paradise and destruction, rooted in Andean mythology of Mama Coca or Kuka Mama, goddess of health and happiness, with the artist fashioning her own image as MAMA COCA in homage to the coca leaf's rich ancient spiritual significance, published in Irreversible Magazine, Miami, FL. Photography by Grimanesa Amorós, 2009/2011.

MAMA COCA, 2009/2011, Irreversible Magazine, Miami, FL, Photography, limited edition signed, 1 of 2.
13.5″ × 23.5″ (34.29 cm × 59.69 cm)

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.