For the next few months, visitors will find the Esperanza Kite ("Kite of Hope") flying high in the SECCA lobby.
The result of a partnership between NCMA and the Guatemalan Consulate in Raleigh, this traditional giant kite was created for Family Day of Guatemala by Guatemalan artist Cristina España, vice-consul, Consulate General of Guatemala in Raleigh, and her husband, Nathanael Sperger.
The kite is 8 feet across and made with bamboo, twine, tissue paper, and large sheets of printed paper pieced together. It is the first of its kind made in North Carolina!
"The Esperanza Kite ("Kite of Hope") was built to recognize the invaluable contribution in arts and tradition of our Guatemalan indigenous community, the sacrifice of all immigrants, and the beauty we bring to this precious country. The Esperanza Kite is a messenger of hope: Humanity will survive, and our generation will be part of the improvement of this world."—Cristina España
Esperanza Kite (Kite of Hope) Project
This traditional giant kite was created for Family Day of Guatemala by Guatemalan artist Cristina España, vice-consul, Consulate General of Guatemala in Raleigh, and her husband, Nathanael Sperger.
The kite is 8 feet across and made with bamboo, twine, tissue paper, and large sheets of printed paper pieced together. It is the first of its kind made in North Carolina! Watch the video to see more about this intricate and awe-inspiring artistic process.
"The Esperanza Kite ("Kite of Hope") was built to recognize the invaluable contribution in arts and tradition of our Guatemalan indigenous community, the sacrifice of all immigrants, and the beauty we bring to this precious country. The Esperanza Kite is a messenger of hope: Humanity will survive, and our generation will be part of the improvement of this world."—Cristina España
On November 1 each year, Guatemala celebrates All Saints Day to remember loved ones who have died. The most renowned tradition is viewing the giant kites from Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, which can be as big as a four-story building and are true pieces of art with intricate tissue-paper figures that take months to create. Flying the giant kites takes about 12 people with experience. People from around the world travel to Sacatepéquez to experience a unique and magical day. Guatemalan kites, called "barriletes," are seen as pleas for peace and messengers of well-being between the living and our departed loved ones.