Sketching My Life As An Inevitable Journey
Growing up in a Mexican family known for its constant mobility has profoundly shaped my sense of shifting and personal growth. This experience is the very essence of my sketches, which capture the diverse cultures I’ve lived in and the ceaseless journeys that have defined my life. — Viviana De La Barca.
(Dutch) Klik op de afbeelding om mijn illustraties te bekijken en te kopen op Etsy.
[Spanish]
— Ser de una familia mexicana, caracterizada por una constante movilidad, ha moldeado profundamente mi sentido de desplazamiento y desarrollo personal. Este fenómeno es la esencia misma de mis bosquejos, que reflejan las diversas culturas en las que he vivido y los incesantes viajes que continúan marcando mi trayectoria vital. — Viviana De La Barca.
— Ser de una familia mexicana, caracterizada por una constante movilidad, ha moldeado profundamente mi sentido de desplazamiento y desarrollo personal. Este fenómeno es la esencia misma de mis bosquejos, que reflejan las diversas culturas en las que he vivido y los incesantes viajes que continúan marcando mi trayectoria vital. — Viviana De La Barca.
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
On the anthropology of dress:
Why Fashion Is A Tool
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Fashion is a tool, not just an ornament to express identity. Styling it, is about incorporating clothing with accessories that serve as a language of the self, a method of cultural storytelling. And a pathway to belonging in both individual and intercultural collective contexts.
This sketch drew inspiration from an outfit featuring the iconic Cuera fringes, a blouse, reminiscent of traditional Tamaulipas, Mexico, attire. |
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
On the anthropology of dress:
How Mexico City’s Architectural Heritage & Lifestyle Inspire Us Since Birth — In Spanish
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Vestirse para un día en México siempre ha consistido en acoger su diversidad cultural, tu generación, sus climas variados y sus paisajes con un estilo desenvuelto, fresco y también clásico.
Los mejores atuendos para un día primaveral en la capital mexicana pueden no ser los más adecuados para ir a relajarse en algún rincón cerca del mar. Esta primavera-verano nos inspira su legado artístico y arquitectónico más contemporáneo. |
La capital nos puede invitar a pasear, explorar y detenerse.
Por la tarde, puedes optar por un animado mercado para taquear, o bien elegir algún restaurante que ofrezca una variedad de otras menos conocidas opciones culinarias.
Si sales por la noche entre semana, lo esencial es dejar atrás la oficina y disfrutar de entre muchas opciones culturales. Ya sea un jueves de teatro, o admirando obras de arte en una iniciativa cultural, o caminar por sus calles el fin de semana para simplemente relajarte en un parque, en una plaza o en una cantina con tu familia y amigas, como lo dicta nuestra tradición.
Por la tarde, puedes optar por un animado mercado para taquear, o bien elegir algún restaurante que ofrezca una variedad de otras menos conocidas opciones culinarias.
Si sales por la noche entre semana, lo esencial es dejar atrás la oficina y disfrutar de entre muchas opciones culturales. Ya sea un jueves de teatro, o admirando obras de arte en una iniciativa cultural, o caminar por sus calles el fin de semana para simplemente relajarte en un parque, en una plaza o en una cantina con tu familia y amigas, como lo dicta nuestra tradición.
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
The Mexican Cowgirl
‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’ refers in Spanish to Viviana’s one-page stories composed of her sketches inspired by biographical narrative.
On the anthropology of dress: how Mexican vaquero fashion inspires our outfits and societal change.
Long before Hollywood romanticized the Wild West, there were Indigenous Mesoamerican horsemen and Spanish ranchers in Mexico and the southwest of today’s USA, influencing what today we know as the modern cowboy attire. Including boots, hats, and the infamous masculinity known as machismo.
Mexican cinema from the 1930s and 1940s frequently featured the traditional Cuera Tamaulipeca, a distinctive garment known for its fringes. Actor Eulalio González Ramírez, better known as El Piporro, specialized in the norteño music genre and was often seen wearing this iconic attire. Born in Nuevo León, Mexico, Piporro became a beloved figure in the Mexican entertainment industry.
The vaquero culture has evolved in Mexico, where ranchers became skilled cattle herders by developing unique techniques and tools, such as the rodeo. The use of lasso in the rodeo is an art form that gives their distinctive style. Hollywood cowboy fashion draws heavily from the original Mexican horseman and its mestizo traditions. This cross-border fusion of customs and aesthetics, so much celebrated today by many fashion houses, lays the groundwork for cowboy culture.
How did denim become known as part of the Hollywood cowboy style?
The ‘pantalones vaqueros’ made their debut later in the culture, thanks to The Lone Ranger, a legendary character from U.S. radio, TV, books, films, and comics who’s become a symbol of U.S. cowboy culture. Since the TV series first aired in 1949, it’s had a huge impact on how we see cowboys today, especially when it comes to denim jeans.
However, the denim craft originated in the 17th century in the historic town of Nîmes, southern France. Weavers there first developed the durable, twill-woven cotton fabric known as “serge de Nîmes.” Today, Mexico is a leading regional supplier of denim fabrics and apparel to the United States, benefiting from geographic proximity and robust manufacturing capabilities. In the Netherlands, there are a couple of sustainable denim brands and pioneers in circular fashion.
Why does the word “macho” from the Spanish language male stir up all kinds of negative meanings in the vaquero culture?
While for some individuals the macho term evokes a sense of pride and conjures the romanticised image of Spain and bulls, in Mexico a macho carries rather an aggressive connotation associated with strong cultural gender norms that dictate certain societal expectations of behaviour, interaction, and dress. All based on gender discrimination. These gender norms are therefore linked to a gloomy correlation with misogyny and the challenges faced by both males and females in surviving abuse within the vaquero culture.
Long before Hollywood romanticized the Wild West, there were Indigenous Mesoamerican horsemen and Spanish ranchers in Mexico and the southwest of today’s USA, influencing what today we know as the modern cowboy attire. Including boots, hats, and the infamous masculinity known as machismo.
Mexican cinema from the 1930s and 1940s frequently featured the traditional Cuera Tamaulipeca, a distinctive garment known for its fringes. Actor Eulalio González Ramírez, better known as El Piporro, specialized in the norteño music genre and was often seen wearing this iconic attire. Born in Nuevo León, Mexico, Piporro became a beloved figure in the Mexican entertainment industry.
The vaquero culture has evolved in Mexico, where ranchers became skilled cattle herders by developing unique techniques and tools, such as the rodeo. The use of lasso in the rodeo is an art form that gives their distinctive style. Hollywood cowboy fashion draws heavily from the original Mexican horseman and its mestizo traditions. This cross-border fusion of customs and aesthetics, so much celebrated today by many fashion houses, lays the groundwork for cowboy culture.
How did denim become known as part of the Hollywood cowboy style?
The ‘pantalones vaqueros’ made their debut later in the culture, thanks to The Lone Ranger, a legendary character from U.S. radio, TV, books, films, and comics who’s become a symbol of U.S. cowboy culture. Since the TV series first aired in 1949, it’s had a huge impact on how we see cowboys today, especially when it comes to denim jeans.
However, the denim craft originated in the 17th century in the historic town of Nîmes, southern France. Weavers there first developed the durable, twill-woven cotton fabric known as “serge de Nîmes.” Today, Mexico is a leading regional supplier of denim fabrics and apparel to the United States, benefiting from geographic proximity and robust manufacturing capabilities. In the Netherlands, there are a couple of sustainable denim brands and pioneers in circular fashion.
Why does the word “macho” from the Spanish language male stir up all kinds of negative meanings in the vaquero culture?
While for some individuals the macho term evokes a sense of pride and conjures the romanticised image of Spain and bulls, in Mexico a macho carries rather an aggressive connotation associated with strong cultural gender norms that dictate certain societal expectations of behaviour, interaction, and dress. All based on gender discrimination. These gender norms are therefore linked to a gloomy correlation with misogyny and the challenges faced by both males and females in surviving abuse within the vaquero culture.
Positive masculinity encourages men to express emotions, foster healthy relationships, and reject harmful stereotypes associated with traditional machismo in Mexico’,
La vaquera mexicana redefining “machismo”.
Positive masculinity encourages men to express emotions, foster healthy relationships, and reject harmful stereotypes associated with traditional machismo in Mexico’, which often emphasizes dominance and emotional repression. Redefining machismo for “la vaquera mexicana” means men embracing traits like protectiveness and strength while also promoting vulnerability, respect, and emotional openness.
[Read in Spanish here]
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
Who Was The Red Nun of the Mayab?
‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’ refers in Spanish to Viviana’s one-page stories composed of her sketches inspired by biographical narrative.
Born on December 6, 1878, in Motul, Yucatán, Mexico, Elvia Carrillo Puerto rose to prominence as a key figure in Mexico’s social and political scene due to her intelligence.
Growing up during a time of significant upheaval and transformation, her formative years were shaped by the reverberations of the Yucatan Caste War, which profoundly influenced her later work.
Known as “The Red Nun of the Mayab” for her fervent activism and her progressive ideas, Elvia Carrillo Puerto was part of a wave of women who advocated for gender equality and social justice in the early 20th century. She was known as “The Red Nun,” for her unwavering spirit and tireless dedication to educating and empowering rural and indigenous communities. While she wasn’t a literal nun, her commitment to these causes was truly remarkable.
Today, Elvia Carrillo Puerto is celebrated as a symbol of Mexican women’s suffrage and rights.
Growing up during a time of significant upheaval and transformation, her formative years were shaped by the reverberations of the Yucatan Caste War, which profoundly influenced her later work.
Known as “The Red Nun of the Mayab” for her fervent activism and her progressive ideas, Elvia Carrillo Puerto was part of a wave of women who advocated for gender equality and social justice in the early 20th century. She was known as “The Red Nun,” for her unwavering spirit and tireless dedication to educating and empowering rural and indigenous communities. While she wasn’t a literal nun, her commitment to these causes was truly remarkable.
Today, Elvia Carrillo Puerto is celebrated as a symbol of Mexican women’s suffrage and rights.
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
Modern Nepalese clothing craft blending traditional techniques with contemporary trends.
‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’ refers in Spanish to Viviana’s one-page stories composed of her sketches inspired by biographical narrative.
This image showcases Nepalese winter mittens made in Nepal. These days, fashion designers in Nepal are blending traditional textiles with contemporary shapes, which is giving the country a unique style that honours its cultural roots while appealing to people all over the world.
The mix of handmade fabrics and clever designs has become well-known both in Nepal and beyond, making Nepal a place to look for sustainable and ethical fashion.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the textile industry in Nepal plays a crucial role for helping out local communities and giving women a boost. Many textile enterprises are run like cooperatives, which means they pay fair wages and keep things safe for the artisans. These enterprises, as their consumers, contribute to the preservation of traditional skills and the economic development of communities that might not have much else.
Plus, the textile industry in Nepal is also a way to be good for the planet and society. Many designers and makers are choosing to use natural and organic materials, which helps keep the environment cleaner. And there are even programs that recycle and turn old clothes into new things, which is a great way to keep things sustainable.
The mix of handmade fabrics and clever designs has become well-known both in Nepal and beyond, making Nepal a place to look for sustainable and ethical fashion.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the textile industry in Nepal plays a crucial role for helping out local communities and giving women a boost. Many textile enterprises are run like cooperatives, which means they pay fair wages and keep things safe for the artisans. These enterprises, as their consumers, contribute to the preservation of traditional skills and the economic development of communities that might not have much else.
Plus, the textile industry in Nepal is also a way to be good for the planet and society. Many designers and makers are choosing to use natural and organic materials, which helps keep the environment cleaner. And there are even programs that recycle and turn old clothes into new things, which is a great way to keep things sustainable.
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
Snow Stories
‘AYER Y HOY’
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‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’ refers in Spanish to Viviana’s one-page stories composed of her sketches inspired by biographical narrative.
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
The Fantasy and fairytale style of Marie Antoinette, the fashionable French queen whose love of all things extravagant earned her notoriety in her time, has inspired many creatives for different reasons.
Famous shoe designer Manolo Blahnik has been inspired by Marie Antoinette for countless collections over the years. He created the shoes for the costumes in Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film, Marie Antoinette, showcasing the ruffles, rosettes, and unique details distinctive of the 18th century, all made by hand.
The 20 cm x 14 cm pastel sketch above draws inspiration from one of his designs for the film after our visit to the Marie Antoinette Style exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London last autumn.
From ‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
This pastel aquarelle sketch draws inspiration from a blend of recent experiences. These include working at a department store in the Netherlands —which name means The Beehive in English— as a sales fashion stylist for British, French and German clothing brands, to a stitch-free Dress showcased at the Dirty Looks Barbican exhibition in London.
The dress, created by Phoebe English in collaboration with Rootil in 2025, is made from living plant roots on beeswax templates and features a bouncy, root-grown lace suspended from a ripped cotton strip bodice. This slow fashion brand embraces a circular design approach to craft high quality, sustainable clothing, always mindful of the planet’s limited resources.
From
‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’
‘Ciudadana Neerlandesa, Origen Mexicano’ refers in Spanish to Viviana’s one-page stories composed of her sketches inspired by biographical narrative.
Travel and Architecture
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A new adventure featuring art and illustrations is coming in 2026.
Viviana’s mother’s older sister, her aunt, a trained interior designer with a keen sense of style, introduced her to the ultra-Baroque style known as Mexican Churrigueresque through her art collection, travels, books, and countless shared experiences. She often showcased elaborate ornamentation and ostentatious displays of religious subjects in her place, capturing the fervour of the art.
Viviana owes her early understanding of interior design and architecture to her dear aunt. These images are some souvenirs from Viviana’s 2025 spring in Mexico.
The Artist will debut in 2026.
Viviana’s mother’s older sister, her aunt, a trained interior designer with a keen sense of style, introduced her to the ultra-Baroque style known as Mexican Churrigueresque through her art collection, travels, books, and countless shared experiences. She often showcased elaborate ornamentation and ostentatious displays of religious subjects in her place, capturing the fervour of the art.
Viviana owes her early understanding of interior design and architecture to her dear aunt. These images are some souvenirs from Viviana’s 2025 spring in Mexico.
The Artist will debut in 2026.