Sonia Ruiz – Decay #5
Just south of Mexico City, between the canals of Xochimilco you can find a small island with a sad background which was never intended to be a tourist destination. The island is known as “Isla de las muñecas”. It is dedicated to the lost soul of a poor girl who met her fate too soon in strange circumstances.
The area has thousands of people, but this small island is home to hundreds of terrifying dolls. Their severed limbs, decapitated heads, and blank eyes adorn trees. It is said that a girl was found drowned many years ago on this island and that the dolls are possessed by her spirit. Local legend says that the dolls move their heads and arms and even open their eyes.
Materials: vintage fabrics, tulle, jute, gauze, Oaxacan hand dyed yarn, batting, confetti technique, hand embroidery and free motion quilting.
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
What an eerie tale! Your choice of colour and textiles for the piece reflect the sombre subject. The use of yarn o the tree trunk is very effective.
What a creepy and sad tale you tell with this piece. The materials you have used really depict the atmosphere of the place whilst giving a realistic texture to the doll, the tree and the surrounding plants. Great work
A sad tale. Your use of materials and techniques create this story but there is still beauty in your quilt.
I love the textures in your quilt, especially of the tree bark, also the reflection of the tree on the water. You really created the mood of the story you have told. Love your quilt!
A little scary piece, but a great interpretation of the legend. I love the reflection in the water. Well done.
I saw pictures of this island a while ago and recognized it immediately when I saw your piece.
In a strange way, an uncomfortable and at the same time beautiful piece that tells its own story.
Even if the story is scarry there is beauty in this piece ! there is a lot of details and your use of different material is very interesting. I espacially like the yarn on the tree bark.
This is an intriguing quilt with a chilling story. Your way of translating this story in fabric is fascinating. I love how you made the tree trunk from yarn.
Beautiful reflection in the water. Bravo.
What a scary story, I don’t think I want to visit the island. Your interpretation is incredible. The colours, textures, composition gives the piece that eerie feeling. Beautiful attention to details. Bravo!
The story is very interesting, it arouses curiosity to see the place. The use of so many materials very intersting. beautiful work.
You have done a great job of interpreting a scary theme. The attention to detail draws your viewers in for a closer exmination. I love you use of color and threadwork.
This very sad tale makes for another interesting aspect of your series in which water is ever present. A great many details invite us to pay close attention. Great reflection in the water, very nice colors and tree trunk.
Well done!
Intricate and beautiful work here that tells a very sad story. Lovely stitching and use of fabrics to convey the eerie feeling.
Great scene for this dramatic story.