A vast expanse of sugar cane stretches across the landscape where 22 homes recently stood. All 114 homes that made up the Mayan community of Paraná were destroyed consecutively in 2011 by Chabil Utzaj, a large sugar can corporation that claims ownership of this land.

Sugar Cane

A vast expanse of sugar cane stretches across the landscape where 22 homes recently stood. All 114 homes that made up the Mayan community of Paraná were destroyed consecutively in 2011 by Chabil Utzaj, a large sugar can corporation that claims ownership of this land.

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Human Rights and the Land Struggle in Guatemala

Earlier this month I visited several Mayan communities in Guatemala as part of a human rights delegation with the Guatemalan Solidarity Project. I am still processing the experience (and the photos). The concept of land occupation becomes easier to understand as I learn more about this country’s complex history of land ownership and violence toward indigenous Mayan communities.

The first community we visited was Ocho de Augusto. In 2007, a group of families noticed that land was lying dormant at what used to be a state owned agricultural extension farm. Like many poor landless indigenous groups, they decided to occupy the land and then enter into negotiations with the government in an effort to gain legal title. Despite a moratorium on evictions during periods of negotiation, the families here were violently evicted without notice in March 2011. Police stood by and watched as homes were burned and crops were destroyed by private workers hired by Chabil Utzaj, a large neighboring sugar cane plantation. Even though Ocho de Augusto is on state land, they were evicted along with 13 other communities that were occupying Chabil Utzaj land.

Now the people of Ocho de Augusto have returned to the land. They have replanted their corn and are busy rebuilding their homes. I am struck by their courage in the face of known and unknown enemies. I am unsettled by the risks the families take, especially with young children. I am equally disturbed by the actions of the government and large corporate plantations in the presence of these children.

This is only one example of the many communities that are currently risking their lives to re-occupy or gain title to land that they are occupying.

More information and images will be uploaded to this project gallery soon.

humanity in focus

Stacey Irvin

skype: 1+ 615.653.4728
cell: 1+ 615.491.4728


Fine Art Print Purchase Options

Sugar Cane

 A vast expanse of sugar cane stretches across the landscape where 22 homes recently stood. All 114 homes that made up the Mayan community of Paraná were destroyed consecutively in 2011 by Chabil Utzaj, a large sugar can corporation that claims ownership of this land. A vast expanse of sugar cane stretches across the landscape where 22 homes recently stood. All 114 homes that made up the Mayan community of Paraná were destroyed consecutively in 2011 by Chabil Utzaj, a large sugar can corporation that claims ownership of this land.
Print Size Print Only Print Matted/Framed
5” x 7”
Image size ≈ 4.5” x 6.5”
$25
Sugar Cane 5” x 7” Print
$35
This size is unframed w/ 6-ply white archival mat. Matted print will fit most standard 8x10 frames.
Sugar Cane 5” x 7” Matted Print
8” x 10”
Image size ≈ 6” x 9”
$75
Sugar Cane 8” x 10” Print
$150
Sugar Cane 8” x 10” Print Matted & Framed
11” x 14”
Image size ≈ 8.5” x 13”
$200
Sugar Cane 11” x 14” Print
$300
Sugar Cane 11” x 14” Print Matted & Framed
16” x 20”
Image size ≈ 13” x 19”
$300
Sugar Cane16” x 20” Print
$450
(framed size ≈ 24” x 30”)
Sugar Cane 16” x 20” Print Matted & Framed
20” x 24”
Image size ≈ 15.25” x 23”
$450
Sugar Cane 20” x 24” Print
$650
Sugar Cane 20” x 24” Print Matted & Framed
20” x 30”
Image size ≈ 17” x 26”
$555
Sugar Cane 20” x 30” Print
$800
(framed size ≈ 29.5” x 38”)
Sugar Cane 20” x 30” Print Matted & Framed

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Print & Frame Details:

Images are printed with archival pigment ink on Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl paper. Each print is individually signed with acid-free permanent ink. Print sizes include a minimum 1/2” border around the image area for matting purposes.

Specific image dimensions may vary. General dimension estimates are listed above. Frames for 8”x10” and larger prints are wood with a flat black finish. Mats for framed prints are 8-ply white archival rag. There is a 1/4” border between the image area and mat. Mat borders are 3” for 8” x 10” prints and 4” for 11” x 14” to 20” x 30” prints. Due to the subjective nature of frame selection, requests for variations in framing must be sought directly from the local framer of your choice.

*The 5" x 7" matted print is unframed and comes in a clear protective bag. It is matted (4-ply archival) to a standard 8" x 10" frame size with a full-bleed image window of 4.5" x 6.5". The print and mat are signed.

Please contact Stacey for custom size or substrate requests.

Copyright:

All images are Copyright © Stacey Irvin. Purchased fine art prints are for non-commercial, personal display. Purchase does not include transfer of copyright. Images may not be altered or reproduced. Please contact Stacey to license an image for commercial or editorial use.

Order Fulfillment / Shipping:

Upon receipt of your order, Stacey will contact you with a production time estimate. If not already in stock, matted/framed print orders may take longer to produce. The framer's workflow is usually 1 to 2 weeks. Stacey will contact you when your order is ready for shipment or pick-up. Shipping fees include packaging and handling. If you are in Nashville, TN or Bowling Green, KY, you may make arrangements with Stacey to pick up your order.

Prices are subject to change. Tennessee residents will be charged 9.25% sales tax.