The Artisan Sisters offer, on this Memorial Weekend Monday, unusual pieces by noted Oaxaca artisans who playfully render clay and wood into fanciful Day of the Dead figures. Today’s line-up: Josefina Aguilar, ceramic artist, Bertha Cruz, alebrijes painter, and Miguel Diaz.
1. First, we introduce you to The Happy Couple: Ready for a Stroll Around Town. By famous Ocotlan de Morelos folk artist Josefina Aguilar. The glittery female Catrina rests on her parasol while balancing a cigarette holder in her other hand. She stands tall at 11-1/2″ high x 5″ wide. Her male companion is 13″ high x 4″ wide, complete with bow tie and top hat. These are substantial figures, larger that what is typical. Note: both heads rest on wire springs — the better to see you with, my dear. Sold as a pair. Item #5312012.2. $265. Day of the Dead is just around the corner!
3. Catrina Roja Negra. Bertha Cruz, an amazing alebrije painter from Arrazola, outdid herself on this figure. Bertha began selling independently out of her home about four years ago. She is not represented in galleries. Her brush details are eensy teensy and exquisite. Her husband, Alfonso Castellanos Ibañez, does the carving but insists that she sign her name because the beauty is in the painting, he says. She is quite collectible. 14″ high x 5″ wide. Item #5312012.3. $225.
Alebrijes-Mexico, a German art resource, notes that “Bertha is a famous painter. Every single one of her alebrijes is a unique work of art. None of her sculptures matches any of the others. Each of her sculptures represents a three dimensional painting of the highest standard. She predominantly uses Zapotec motifs in subdued colors. She is without restriction one of the best artists in Mexico.”
4. Donkey Playing Keyboard is a whimsical musician lady, she’s got the rhythm, she’s got the beat. Carved copal wood and painted alebrije figure by Arrazola folk artist Miguel Diaz (signed). 9-7/8″ high x 3-1/2″ wide. Item #5211012.4. $45.
Don’t forget to contact us first by email to see if the item you are interested in is still available. We will send you an invoice after we calculate shipping costs based on your Zip Code. Many thanks, Norma and Barbara, The Artisan Sisters.
Come see Oaxaca for yourself during Day of the Dead and attend our Photography Expedition, October 28-November 4.
Shop Mexico: The Artisan Sisters Week 6–Ricardo Linares Sculpture
Today we offer you one outstanding piece for sale by The Artisan Sisters. This incredible papier-maché skull by Mexico City artist Ricardo Linares G. is signed and dated 5/11/93. In Mexico, one name and one family is associated with the public display of “cartonería” arts—Linares.
This impressive piece stands 22-1/2″ tall x 11″ wide. It is in pristine condition. Item #1_06182012. $1,625.
Watch the eyes. Can you see them following you? On the crown of the skull, one calavera rests against a tree trunksgrowing out of the skull, another lolls nearby, while two devils cavort above in the branches.
Papier-mâché figures are an integral part of popular street art and fiesta culture, accessible to all Mexicans. From large “Judas” figures used in Holy Week ceremonies, Day of the Dead “calacas” or skeletons, used on altars, to the fantastical creatures call “alebrijes” invented by “Papa” Pedro—the figures breathe color and life into simple paper, glue, and reed. Ricardo Linares (grandson of Don Pedro) is one of the most prolific members on the family. Museums, galleries and private exhibitions in the U.S.A. and Europe have had his work on display.
Like this:
3 Comments
Posted in Cultural Commentary, Oaxaca Mexico art and culture, Travel & Tourism
Tagged art, blogsherpa, Mexico, Oaxaca, Ricardo Linares