The series, entitled “Bolivianos,” is arguably Barbara's strongest and most striking
work to date. This series is inspired by Rachko's visit to the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore in La Paz, Bolivia in 2017.

Carnival in Oruro revolves around three great dances. The dance of “The Incas” records the conquest and death of Atahualpa, the Inca emperor when the Spanish arrived in 1532. “The Morenada” dance was once assumed to represent black slaves who worked in the mines, but the truth is more complicated (and uncertain) since only mitayo Indians were permitted to do this work. The dance of “The Diablada” depicts Saint Michael fighting against Lucifer and the seven deadly sins. The latter were originally disguised in seven different masks derived from medieval Christian symbols and mostly devoid of pre-Columbian elements (except for totemic animals that became attached to Christianity after the Conquest). Typically, in these dances the cock represents Pride, the dog Envy, the pig Greed, the female devil Lust, etc.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJWLy84kXI0&t=7s
"The inspiring story of Barbara Rachko, a trailblazing Master Pastel Artist who defied gender barriers and overcame personal tragedy to create a unique artistic path. Our documentary film, 'Barbara Rachko: True Grit,' follows her journey across New York City and beyond.”

World Premier at the 2023 Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF), Orange County, CA
Won Audience Award and Best in Category for Art, Architecture and Design at NBFF
Honorable Mention at the 2023 International Fine Arts Film Festival Santa Barbara, CA
Award Nominee at the 2023 Montreal Women Film Festival

Produced, Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Jennifer Cox, Moto Films, LLC, Brooklyn, New York. Watch the film and experience the power of creativity and resilience.

The series, entitled “Bolivianos,” is arguably Barbara's strongest and most striking
work to date. This series is inspired by Rachko's visit to the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore in La Paz, Bolivia in 2017.

Carnival in Oruro revolves around three great dances. The dance of “The Incas” records the conquest and death of Atahualpa, the Inca emperor when the Spanish arrived in 1532. “The Morenada” dance was once assumed to represent black slaves who worked in the mines, but the truth is more complicated (and uncertain) since only mitayo Indians were permitted to do this work. The dance of “The Diablada” depicts Saint Michael fighting against Lucifer and the seven deadly sins. The latter were originally disguised in seven different masks derived from medieval Christian symbols and mostly devoid of pre-Columbian elements (except for totemic animals that became attached to Christianity after the Conquest). Typically, in these dances the cock represents Pride, the dog Envy, the pig Greed, the female devil Lust, etc.