Ancestral Download by Rayos Magos is a year-long series of paintings that blend symbols, icons, and imagery from both Mexican and Chicano culture. Using the color yellow—linked to joy, warmth, the sun, and maize—Rayos builds a body of work that reads like a modern codex. Everyday brands, religious symbols, and cultural references are elevated into something mythic, telling stories of identity, heritage, and memory. Inspired by his travels in Mexico, as well as ads, comics, and products from his upbringing, the works create a patchwork of images that honor both the past and present.

The title comes from Rayos’ first trip to Mexico, where he felt a strong ancestral connection to the land, people, and language. This show continues his journey of reconnecting with Mesoamerican roots while celebrating the aesthetics of contemporary life. By centering his paintings in yellow, Rayos offers viewers an uplifting and hopeful experience, one that highlights resilience and belonging in the face of cultural challenges.