Zenit'k Project

 Zenit’k Project

I was in Valladolid to explore the pyramids and understand more about the Mayan culture. At the same time I had been invited to fulfil a commission. Maria Loret de Mola had spoken with Mariana Jordi of the Zenti'k Project. She had seen my portfolio and wondered if I could paint a mural at their eco-project boutique hotel. The hotel would offer me a cottage and an all-inclusive stay for as long as it took to paint, as well as other considerations. I've painted some big pieces before but had never taken on a mural. I considered it a challenge.  We were thinking of staying at Playa del Carmen for a week, but Valladolid fit right into our schedule. I loved the idea, but wasn't sure about the hotel. I'd never seen it. We were in for a pleasant surprise.

Zenti’k is a Mayan word which combines the meaning of spiritual discovery and creative energy. It’s an ecological boutique Palapa cabins, constructed according to traditional Mayan building techniques, with grass roofs. 

Our room at Zenti'k Project Hotel

The bajareque technique involves the use of wooden poles woven into a matrix, which is later covered with mud. It predates the use of adobe and is native to the Valladolid area. In the heat of the Yucatecan summer the cooling bajareque walls help the walls breathe. Each cabin is appointed with luxurious matrimonial-size hammocks, private balconies with a view of rain-forest gardens. Ceiling fans and air-conditioning, plush comfortable beds.

A large cave similar to a “cenote” was discovered on the hotel grounds, 6 meters deep, with a natural fresh water spring feeding it. It serves as a thermal spa pool with warm and restorative waters which are naturally heated to about 98.6 degrees.

The Underground Cave

An impressive stone vault leads down into the cavern. The limestone walls are sealed with the resin of the Chucum tree which has medicinal properties. In the daytime the cave is lit with an skylight cut in the overhead rock. The waters glow a cool turquoise. At night, the grottoes in the cave are candlelit, making it a perfect place for a romantic rendezvous.

Curative waters of the underground cabe at Zenti'k

We awoke in the morning to the sound of the chachalaka birds. According to Alberto Jordi, the creator of Zenti’k Project, these tropical birds are becoming rare in the forests here on account of urbanization. Large zopilotes swirl overhead.

Alberto is an art collector, having moved to Valladolid by way of San Miguel de Allende. He and his wife came here looking for an artistic community with less of the hustle and bustle of San Miguel which has seen quite a lot of development. In the course of creating his hotel project, he has invited different artists to participate in bringing their vision to this unique space.

Alberto Jordi with wife Maria Elena

Palapa cottage at the hotel

Lower floor of cottage

Our rooms at the Hotel Zenti'k

Internationally recognized artists have participated in the project of making Zenti’k a creative spiritual place. Alberto has offered commissions to a number of international recognised artists who have created unique murals here. 

One such artist is Pelucas.

Creating a mural work at Zenti'k: Pelucas

Pelucas is one of the most influential personalities in the urban Spanish art scene in recent years. Formally educated with a Fine Arts degree from Universidad de Pentevedra, Spain, his work seemed to me to be a kind of collaboration between Rube Goldberg and Heironymous Bosch; he’s versatile in many different disciplines, from graffiti and mural painting to sculpture and film-making, having worked in such different milieus as Barcelona, Berlin, London, and Mexico City.

A Mural created by Senkoe

Senkoe, on the other hand, learned his art in the streets. He began the hard way and worked his way up from street graffiti to mural art campaigns with Converse and HBO. Senkoe has participated in urban art festivals throughout Mexico.

Up against such talent, I really felt challenged. What would I create here?