Domestic Mythology

Maria Ezcurra focuses her artwork on the issue of identity of the female body and the position that women occupy in society. In her work, which is represented either by sculptures or documentation of installations and performance art, Ezcurra depicts stereotypical acts of femininity that parody gender intolerance. Her goal in her work is to encourage the expansion of human and civil rights for women today.

For Focusing on Latin America, Ezcurra presents three projects: "The Perfect Housewife," "Waitress" and "Domestic Mythology." "The Perfect Housewife" shows Ezcurra performing typical acts of domestic work: Ironing, serving food, and sitting with a husband. Similarly, "Waitress" shows Ezcurra acting as the typical female hostess. In both "The Perfect Housewife" and "Waitress", Ezcurra literally incorporates herself into the work, wearing clothes that conform to and are incorporated in the domestic act, symbolizing how women and domestic work are assumed to be irrevocably combined. This domestic work is a form of repression, and in some intangible way, a form of domestic violence.

In "Domestic Mythology," Ezcurra presents a series of embroidered fabric pieces that depict mythological creatures performing domestic work. The aim is to depict the idea that the stereotype of a woman, a "domestic goddess", is nothing more than a myth. In using embroidery on fabric, Ezcurra sends this message using a typically feminine medium.