Users rejected the official image of Guelaguetza 2023 with memes

It was in the first days of March that the Governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara, and the Secretary of Tourism, Saymi Pineda, announced that the works Embroidery of Tradition and Identity by artist Luis Fernando Ramírez García would be the official image of Guelaguetza 2023. However, the painting chosen unanimously was accused of plagiarismsince apparently it was inspired by a photograph by Diego Huerta, and it was harshly criticized for “lacking color”.

“It fills me with joy to present to you, together with Governor @salomonj, the official image of July, the month of Guelaguetza 2023. ‘Embroidery of tradition and identity’, where strong points pineapple flower, representative dance of San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec and elements of the 8 regionstweeted the Tourism Secretary along with photos from the awards ceremony.

According to the information that emerged during this event, the work would have complied with all the graphic elements requested in the call, since it is a painting with graphic functionality where the popular dance with three women dancing on a calabash. Likewise, it was pointed out that it represents all the regions of Oaxaca with certain components.

“My congratulations and special recognition to Luis Fernando Ramírez García, a native of San Lorenzo Cacaotepec, author of this piece that will represent the maximum celebration of this land proud of its roots locally, nationally and internationally”, wrote Saymi Pineda.

Although those tasked with selecting the contest winner praised the work, social media users expressed their disagreement through memes that accompanied their harsh opinions of him.

“It does not represent Oaxaca, it represents a single region. Colors? very grey. Oaxaca is joy, beauty… there was more and much better”. “It looks like a Spanish playing card.” “They looked for one in the colors of the 4T and as luck would have it, the winner wears his purple shirt.” “Very bad taste. He does not represent Guelaguetza or the state”. “Without distorting the artist’s work, it wasn’t the right choice, it looks bleak. Oaxaca of color and magic,” they tweeted.

Among the critics, some Internet users have indicated that Luis Fernando Ramírez García allegedly committed plagiarism by taking inspiration from a photograph by Diego Huerta, since he did not give it the corresponding credit when submitting it to the competition. In the painting that had been selected, a woman appears in front wearing a typical side-colored dress while dancing and carrying a pineapple on her shoulder, while in the photo you can see a woman in a similar situation.

The accusations reached the ears of the Governor of Oaxaca and the Secretary of Tourism, who had no choice but to investigate the matter. it was so After what happened, they announced that the selected image will be replaced by another that participated in the competition according to the corresponding requirements.

Developing information…