At Espiritu, we celebrate our ancestry and origins through our most iconic product: the huarache. Each pair serves as an homage to Mexico’s deep-rooted traditions, much like artist Alejandro Glatt pays tribute to the sacred papaya fruit in his work. For us, the huarache is a living, wearable testament to heritage, and for Alejandro, the papaya stands as a powerful symbol of fertility, abundance, and Mexico’s cultural identity. Both our journeys are united by the goal of preserving authenticity and honoring what makes us who we are today.
Meeting Alejandro Glatt at Art Week
We recently had the opportunity to interview Alejandro during Art Week, where he shared the story of how he became “the first Mexican artist to send a papaya to the moon.” He radiated excitement, telling us:
“I am very happy to be here, Art Week… I have 10 events this week. I have been traveling the world sharing my project and I am very happy to be here with you in spirit.”
His enthusiasm was palpable as he described representing Mexico on a truly cosmic stage. “Along with 222 artists from all over the world,” he said, “I became the artist representing Mexico in this mission, taking the Mexican papaya to the Moon.” This monumental collaboration, part of the Luna Prize Museum project, underscores his vision of uniting culture, nature, and humanity in a single act of creative expression.
A Papaya Beyond Borders
The humble papaya, so familiar in Mexican homes and markets, has become a global—and now lunar—ambassador for Alejandro’s work. “The papaya,” as he puts it, “papayas all over the world, wherever you want to find me.” By sharing the fruit’s sacred resonance, Alejandro fosters a sense of pride and connection among Mexicans everywhere. The papaya’s journey to the Moon is a modern myth in the making, bridging ancestral reverence with bold, futuristic ambition.
Echoes of Heritage and Craft
Through projects showcased across the globe—at galleries, immersive exhibitions, and spaces like the Calma and Brava store—Alejandro’s art weaves nature’s generosity into our daily consciousness. Similarly, each huarache at Espiritu is a reflection of Mexico’s artisanal legacy, made by skilled hands that carry forward generational knowledge. Both the papaya and the huarache stand as vibrant touchstones of culture: one capturing the fruit’s life-giving essence, and the other embodying the craftsmanship of indigenous roots.
Why We Champion Artists Like Alejandro
Our brand spirit is grounded in uplifting creatives who share our passion for cultural authenticity and expression—just as we highlighted artist Olivia Steele in our community blog, we aim to shine a light on those who continue to honor Mexican heritage on international stages. Alejandro’s project, with international exposure, champions the values we hold dear: pride in our roots and a vision to share that spirit far and wide.
Be Part of the #espiritutribe
We’re grateful to have shared this moment with Alejandro Glatt at Art Week, witnessing firsthand how he infuses his art with genuine reverence for Mexico’s cultural heritage. If you’d like to explore more about his work, visit alejandroglatt.com—and to learn about how Espiritu continues to support our community of artists and artisans, follow us on instagram.
Check out our Instagram post here, and if you want to be part of the community and the conversation, tag us using #espiritutribe. We can’t wait to see you there!
