Kevin Martinez Garrido

This painting retells the story of the Greek god Prometheus, through the immigrant lens. Prometheus stole the fire from Athena’s temple, and gave it to humanity. With this fire, that was once thought unattainable, they cooked their food, created tools, and built their villages with warmth. This act of defiance angered Zeus, who took the fire back. Prometheus was warned that if he attempted to steal again, he would be punished. And so he did, the fire was permanently given to humanity in a selfless act. Finally, Zeus had Prometheus chained to a rock to be eaten alive by eagles every day for eternity.

For my family and others, that which is “unattainable” is freedom and education. In this scene, an immigrant father is cheating the system by being able to work, and is reaching for the unattainable “fire.” This heroic act grants his children the ability to obtain education and to use the fire to transcend the confines of being “illegal.” It is a celebration of work, but if caught, this worker can be punished by being sent away from his children for eternity. In sum it is a journey for posterity, and a parent’s love for their children. The title also references the story of the “promised land.” and roughly translates to “Promete-us”