Inspired by my Latinx fans, who see a resemblance to alebrijes (ah-lay-bree-hays) in the imagery in my recent artwork, I've decided to create a series of alebrije-inspired paintings.

 

What are alebrijes? They are vibrantly colored, intricately hand-painted sculptures of

animals, people, objects, or fantastical creatures. They are made from wood or papier

mâché. This Mexican folk art originated in Mexico City, but Oaxaca City, in the state of

Oaxaca, is now considered the epicenter for alebrijes.

 

I visited Oaxaca City in 2000 and have my own collection of alebrijes.

 

On a side note, I have a personal relationship with La Ciudad de Oaxaca: My great aunt,

Margarita Maza de Juarez, was married to Benito Juarez who was an attorney in Oaxaca

City; then he became governor of the state of Oaxaca, and ultimately, he was the President

of all of Mexico. I visited their humble abode, where there is a bah relief of Margarita. I

photographed the sign on a boulevard named after her, as well as a painting of Margarita’s

and Benito’s son, who became governor of Oaxaca. My father’s immediate family was

consumed with staying as white as possible; they would be admonished not to go out in the

sun, or they would look like the maids! Therefore, it is gratifying to me that very white

Margarita married a full Zapotec, a brown person.

 

For those interested, Wikipedia covers an extensive and wonderful page covering the history of the creation of alebrijes, including the influences that went into their creation and details of the annual alebrije parade in Mexico City.