Omar Coatl Monroy
they/she
New York, NY, USA
Omar Monroy, a Trans-nonbinary Oaxacan artist of Ñuu'savi descent, expresses their heritage through El Techichi Jewelry. Born in Iztapalapa, Mexico, and now residing in Lenapehoking (Lower East Side,) they blend traditional and contemporary materials, drawing inspiration from Mexico's ecosystems. El Techichi is a maximalist gender-neutral ode to creativity, rejecting colonial gender constructs, and pushes for plus size inclusivity in the fashion and jewelry industry.
“The ‘Ciclo of Ya’a ichí’ earrings encapsulate the captivating transformation of the Jalapeño plant, echoing a legacy of indigenous food preservation. Inspired by the Nahuatl 'chīlpoctli,' meaning smoked chili, the artist illuminates the pre-colonial practice. The ya’a plant, symbolized by the Jalapeño, unfolds from a seed to a revered red chili, mirroring the artist's personal journey. The ya’a offers a unique perspective on the artist's queerness and journey of self-discovery. This transformative process, akin to the artist's own growth, is elegantly portrayed through the earrings—a harmonious blend of cultural reverence and personal identity in a concise form."
How does your work relate to the theme transformation— How does the work translate joy into strength?
"The idea of being queer, for me, means transformation. I feel that to be queer is to be ever-changing; it's a never-ending cycle of self-discovery. I've observed many queer, trans, non-binary folks using various types of iconography to identify with. Some use butterflies, others mermaids. When contemplating what type of iconography I wanted to represent myself, I had been working with indigenous flowers for a collaboration, and then it hit me—the chipotle.
The chipotle goes through various changes, even a name change. I thought about how it transforms from a tender flower to a spicy pepper and then into something smoky and completely different. I couldn't relate to something more. It was yet another way I felt like I was honoring my roots, and I couldn't be happier. Similar to the pepper, I am going through these transformations—from youth to this evolution where I find myself more secure, more confident, more spicy, if you will.
Everything I do involves Mexico and food; they are 100% a part of me. So, my art will always reflect my ever-growing pride in my roots."
“Ciclo of Ya'a ichí”, Hand-forged recycled brass, brass chain, sterling silver, red tiger's eye, American red jasper, 5” long, 2024
"These earrings are one of a kind, my work uses stones that are purchased from estate sales or flea markets, so no two are ever a like. I love to make items that can be passed down from wearer to wearer for generations, just like out traditions and tales."
