Artist

Porfirio Gutiérrez – Zapotec Textile Artist

Porfirio Gutiérrez was born and raised in the richly historic Zapotec textile community of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. His life’s work has been reinvigorating and preserving natural dyeing techniques, with a focus on reinterpreting traditional textiles and materials. 

From an early age Porfirio began to learn the weaving and natural dyeing tradition from his parents. This early training forms the foundation for the fine art textiles that attract the attention of an ever-more international group of collectors. 

Gutierrez’s work brings awareness to a profound spiritual belief that nature is a living being, sacred and honored. The natural materials he employs in his work reflect that belief with a specific vocabulary of hues and textures. His studio revolves around the efforts of family and community, expressing an understanding and a vision that is deeply rooted to his Zapotec culture. 

Porfirio is a tireless advocate, researcher and ambassador for the Zapotec community. He travels extensively, exhibiting his art, giving lectures and demonstrating his technique. The story of his art practice has been published in The New York Times and other major print media. Porfirio has been featured on a PBS arts series and has produced a documentary funded by the Smithsonian Institute.

In 2015 Gutiérrez was chosen by the Smithsonian Institute to be one of only four artists in the Western hemisphere to participate in their prestigious Artist In Leadership Program. A selection of the Gutiérrez family’s dye materials was documented and added to Harvard Art Museums’ Forbes Pigment Collection, the world-renowned archive of artist materials. His vision is to educate and share the rich textile arts of his culture while sustaining traditional practices for future generations.

To learn more, visit our Exhibitions & Awards page.