Maritza Dávila is a printmaker whose work reflects the nature and
influences of her Puerto Rican culture. Her works have been shown
around the world and she has made numerous presentations and
lectures.

She is a Professor of Fine Arts at the Memphis College of Art where
she has taught printmaking and foundations since 1982. She is owner
of the printmaking studio Atabeira Press that was established in 1989.

Dávila was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and received her BA in Art
Education at the University of Puerto Rico. She earned her MFA at
Pratt Institute and participated in various international workshops
related to non-toxic printmaking techniques.
"Donde se encuentra Babel
en el siglo XXI" (Where Babel
is found in the 21st century)

2009
15" x 20"

Working with Chema Eléxpuru’s
image was challenging and
humbling. I called upon those
things we have in common -- my
experiences traveling through
Spain and how they connected
to my ancestry along with my
love of the landscape.

To create a landscape that was
both somber and hopeful, I used
parts of Chema’s image but with
the whole image as a window.
Windows have always been an
element that signifies going into
another space, or even a space
within a space. The bright red,
long rectangles echo the color
of the rose as blood represents
life -- or perhaps the loss of life.

Through the process of creating
this image I questioned what
Chema’s image represented for
me. Where is Babel? Is it a
mythological story or is it still
possible in our times? Are we
responsible for our future or
does destiny rule? Are we in
Babel now? Is there hope for us?
And who is responsible for any
events in our life?