Mexico. Coll. (image Courtesy of Fomento Cultural Banamex, A.C.)
Whether friendly or fierce, sublime or surreal, animals have captivated the imagination of artists in every place and time. But the style inaugurated by Manuel Jimenez in Mexico’s Oaxaca region is a particularly compelling combination of wooden carved fantasy creatures and strong, painted designs. Oaxacan folk art is only about 60 years old but it has become one of the most popular folk art styles in Mexico.
Manuel Jimenez (1919-2005), a peasant from San Antonio Arrazola, began carving at a very young age while tending goats and sold masks and wooden miniatures at local markets. An art dealer from Mexico City discovered him in 1957, was captivated, and promoted Jimenez, connecting him with collectors like Nelson Rockefeller and curators from top folk art museums.
Angélico and Isaías, the sons of Manuel Jimenez, continue his fine carving tradition in the family compound. Behind wrought iron doors, a lush garden and creative mosaic paths weave through the multiple work areas of the family’s compound. Unlike many carvers, they generally do the painting themselves. Angélico favors blue and Isaías prefers a combination of colors, in contrast to their father whose favorite colors were yellow and rose.
More information at Friends of Oaxacan Folk Arts, here.
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This is a very helpful and interesting article. my husband brought me back to pieces of Mexican art from the states years ago and I have just wanted to find out more about the artists who made them as they are named. Thanks to your helpful site I think I have solved one which was Francisco Hernandez Cruz from la Union but I am not so sure about the other one who us Rafael Sosa from San Martin. You name a Sosa family but his name does not appear, I suppose he could just be a relative? I would love to know if this is correct. Thank you for your help
I’m so glad the post was a bit helpful to you, and I wish I could be of more assistance. Unfortunately, all the information I accessed came from the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Arts, which has a link in the post. You could probably send them images of your pieces and ask your question there. Good luck.
Thank you for your reply, I will try that and maybe have a look at the website. I did find your piece helpful and it was interesting to see how it is a family business, What a lovely way to make your living!! We saw some graffiti art in San Diego which had been done by Mexicans which was fantastic and I do have a book about the Mexican muralists which is amazing, so different from European art.
They are charming sculptures.