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Strong images: the Día de los muertos in Mexican art
The powerful images and ideas associated with the Día de los muertos have been a continuous influence on many aspects of the Mexican culture, especially in popular arts. Great Mexican artists such as José Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera have abundantly exploited the theme in their work.
The character of La Catrina, initially created by printmaker Guadalupe Posada as a satirical depiction of the high society of the early 20th century, is now an integral part of the imagery of the Day of the Día de los muertos. This theme is exploited by countless artists and craftsmen who fill the streets every October with thousands of versions of the smiling skeletons dressed as grandes damas.
Aguascalientes, 500km north of Mexico City, was the hometown of Guadalupe Posada. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of its works at the Museo José Guadalupe Posada.
For more information about the Museo José Guadalupe Posada:
http://www.aguascalientes.gob.mx
http://www.lonelyplanet.com |
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For a short biography of the artist, visit:
http://www.ddfolkart.com/articles/joseguadalupeposada.htm
For more information about the state and the city of Aguascalientes, visit:
http://www.aguascalientes.gob.mx/idiomas/ingles/
The paintings of famed muralist Diego Rivera also featured many depictions of La Catrina. Very much in the style of Posada, this character representing death was dressed in an elegant fashion, and appearing alongside the real-life present or past personalities in the realist painter's imagery.
Imposing mural paintings from Rivera incorporating these elements can be seen at the Secretaría de Educación, located a short walking distance away from the Zócalo in Mexico City.
Every year in the period preceding the Día de los muertos, countless stores in Mexico feature typical handicrafts such as paper maché Catrinas, skeletons, and all sorts of calaveras (skulls). Many artists and craftsmen have in fact made a specialty of creating pieces relating to the Día de los muertos imagery. You can find some very nice examples of such works here:
http://www.ddfolkart.com
http://www.patzcuaro.com/ |
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Planning a trip to Mexico?
Want to know more about what Mexico has to offer?
Call the Mexico Tourism Board at 1-800-44-MEXICO or visit our website. You may also contact our Canadian office at the corresponding number below:
| Toll-Free: 1-866-895-5297 |
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