Xōchipilli

This piece is titled Xōchipilli, named after the Aztec god of art, games, dance, flowers, and song. His name contains the Nahuatl words xōchitl ("flower") and pilli ("prince" or "child"), translating to "flower prince." Xōchipilli has also been interpreted as the patron of homosexuals and male prostitutes—figures who challenge societal norms and embody fluidity, creativity, and self-expression. 

The model referenced in this work is @eariverosa, whose Instagram account reflects many of these qualities. His profile reveals a multifaceted personality—spiritual, playful, and deeply engaged with natural remedies, chemistry, fitness, and joy. Through his tattoos and curated online presence, he expresses his values, interests, and identity in a bold and unapologetic way.

Instagram serves as a contemporary and democratic platform for constructing and sharing identity. It allows individuals to curate a version of the “self” that is both personal and performative, engaging with a wider audience in a form of modern myth-making. This piece explores the aesthetics and values of contemporary hero worship, asking whether figures like @eariverosa might one day be seen as legendary icons, much like Xōchipilli. 

The symbolism of wild cats—frequently featured in tattoos and fashion—adds another layer of meaning. These animals have long represented power, sensuality, and independence across cultures. In Chinese astrology, the Tiger is impulsive, generous, and courageous. In Aztec mythology, the jaguar was a guardian deity, while in Ancient Egypt, cats were divine protectors. Adorning the body with these symbols can express a frisky, wild personality, dominance, and even danger. 

Such imagery continues to resonate in contemporary culture, where celebrities and influencers align themselves with wild cats to project strength, allure, and mystery. These symbols can evoke a potent mix of fear, admiration, and desire—an intoxicating combination that speaks to the enduring power of animal symbolism in shaping identity and perception. 

Xōchipilli invites viewers to reflect on how personal expression, mythology, and digital culture intersect to create new forms of identity and reverence. 

For further information about the construction and themes of this piece please click this link.