Magalahi Hurao

Title

Magalahi Hurao

Artist

MB Dallocchio

Medium

Mixed Media - Mixed Media On Canvas

Description

Depiction of Chamorro Chief (Maga'lahi) Hurao, defender of matriarchal Chamorro society and our sacred land, the Mariana Islands, during the violent Spanish occupation.

Mixed media: Aquarelles & Acrylic on Canvas


It took me years to find the spirit to carry out this art project. The words of a 17th-century Chamorro leader, (Chief) Magalahi Hurao, rang in my ears for years, and despite numerous requests to produce a depiction of him, I felt overwhelmed by the task. How could I adequately create a piece so powerful for someone I so deeply respect?


As an artist, I can relate to other creatives and getting through self-doubt, artistic blocks, and other obstacles that seemingly prevent us from doing our best. Add trauma into the mix, and, well, the battle becomes even more difficult to endure.


However, something clicked recently. A light turned on in my head, and I realized what I was missing to manifest my artistic goal of recreating Magalahi Hurao. Instead of over-analyzing it, questioning myself to pieces, or avoiding the project altogether, I got to work.


For years, I've sketched and painted portraits, and when they're of people I love, care about, and respect, it's a lot of pressure. I put a LOT of pressure on myself to get things right - which can be motivating as well as debilitating. The eyes are especially the most daunting task to paint or draw. Accomplishing a feeling through the eyes is a challenge, but with Magalahi Hurao, this was colossal.


How could I capture strength, tenderness, a warrior defending Indigenous matriarchy against patriarchal religious fundamentalists, resilience, introspection, leadership, courage, passion, and clarity?


If I were to depict someone worthy of such reverence, I had to rediscover those same traits within myself - without pause or fear. Sometimes our best work is done by confronting the root cause of what's stopping us and facing it head-on.


I started drawing from the eyes despite my fears and worked my way through every line, muscle, and movement in various sketches and simply drew a mental cloak over my mind's constant chatter. In minimizing distractions and internal monologue, the colors began to make themselves known. At one point, it didn't even feel like I was trying. It just happened.


When we take the time to ask ourselves, "what's wrong?" and follow through with taking care of root issues, we free ourselves from the shackles of negative thoughts we don't need anymore. Whether it's haunting traumatic memories or persistent self-doubt, the moment we decide to leave the pain behind and stand up to fear, we give ourselves a key to personal freedom.


Wading through fear and doubt, and pressing on with unbridled courage, provides us access to a limitless source of passion, creativity, and inspiration. While the journey can appear daunting at times, the rewards are indeed worthwhile. Our happiness is worthwhile.


As Magalahi Hurao said in his speech in 1671, "Let us not lose courage in the presence of our misfortunes."


And to honor such a powerful figure who encouraged his community to not lose sight of what's important - and to release toxic ties, fear, and doubt - I did just that.

Uploaded

September 25th, 2019

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