Artesania

The handicrafts and folk art of Mexico.

With the Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebrations just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to take a quick look at the wonderfully vibrant and colorful art of our southern neighbor.

Artesania means the crafts and folk art of Mexico. A broad description that covers many different types of art, it encompasses the spirit of a nation. Long-standing traditions have kept these arts at the forefront of the Mexican culture.

Alebrijes are imaginary creatures made of paper mache. The example shown below was made without molds or sketches, by the Linares family of Mexico. They use their imagination to create these striking creatures. Quite often lifesize versions of a bride and groom (seen from the back behind the dog and cat) are used in the lively festivals of Dia De Los Muertos to honor the dead. They often represent love after death.

Photo Credit - DigiArt by Di taken in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion, WDW.

Papel Picado is another interesting art form. It is cut paperwork. The designs are often very intricate and different colors have different meanings. It is said when the light shines through it signifies that their loved ones have arrived. Most of the work you see is based on the work of Jose Guadalupe Posada. Often strung as banners and hung during celebrations, it is very popular.

Photo Credit - ClipArtKey.Com

Sugar Skull artistry is another artform celebrated in Mexico. Skulls are formed from sugar and then decorated. They are then placed on an altar to honor the dead. Traditionally made from a paste called alfeñique, they can also be made from chocolate and many other forms of confection.

For more information on sugar skulls, check out this link...

https://dayofthedead.holiday/sugar-skull/the-meaning-and-importance-of-sugar-skulls

Photo Credit - TrinyM of Pixabay.

Oaxacan Wood Carving is perhaps my favorite, I just love the colors and the imagination of these pieces. Carved from Copal wood from the hills of Southern Mexico, they are then hand sanded and painted. The variety of these beautiful pieces is very apparent in the photos below.

These photos were taken in the Mexico Pavillion at Epcot. The artist, Alba, was happy to allow us to photograph her and some of her work.

Photo Credits - DigiArt by Di

I hope this foray into another land inspires you to paint and to learn more about these fun and creative art forms.

Smiles!

Sources - https://dayofthedead.holiday/sugar-skull/the-meaning-and-importance-of-sugar-skulls

Wikipedia

Walt Disney World