08 The Market of Happiness

El mercado de la felicidad

Oaxaca |

Mexico

Spanish

Behind the scenes

I experienced a scene very similar to the one described in this text in the Oaxaca region, in southern Mexico. A dense, vibrant market, where I first perceived a certain harshness: strong smells, dirt, and apparent poverty.

Then, suddenly, music burst forth. Laughter, smiles, a few dance steps. The atmosphere shifted, and I almost felt guilty for not having sensed that joy from the beginning.

I remember the image of an old, toothless man-immensely warm-whose wrinkles seemed to form a permanent smile. He was the inspiration for the illustration.

In the illustration, did you notice how the word joy (felicidad) blends into his wrinkles?

Echoes of the world

Listen to these words in their original language: mercado (“market”), maíz tostado (“toasted corn”), felicidad (“happiness”). Spanish is a language that, to me, naturally sings and dances through its rhymes – lado / tostado, bailar / cantar / gritar.

Try repeating the final sentence aloud, paying attention to the rolled “r” sounds:
Pero nunca entendí por qué ese viejo desdentado,
con camisa rota, se reía, se reía, se reía…

I wanted to create an effect where repetition gradually draws you in, almost despite yourself.

Listen to an audio excerpt of the text