The artwork presented in the exhibition “Grandes Maestros” reflects everyday life within the Mexican culture, work and play, joy and sorrow, life and death, are all represented by the handwork of these living artisans. The collection is divided into nine sections: clay, wood, vegetables, fibers, stone, textiles, metal, paper, leather, and various other materials.

Whimsical animals honoring life and death. Handcrafted skeletons celebrating Day of Dead. Elaborately cut paper banners strung for fiestas, all that represents the folk art who defines the Mexican culture.
“Grandes Maestros” features more than 400 bright, bold and vivid pieces from the hands of 150 Mexican folk art masters drawing on the drama, beauty and bravado on Mexico’s arte de Corazon (art from the heart).

Bill Wood, assistant curator of anthropology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, said “We chose to display this exhibition because it is the finest collection of contemporary Mexican artwork available, and for the opportunity to collaborate internationally with cultural organization of that country. Through “Grandes Maestros”, our guests will be treated to the widest and most diverse range on popular works representing all 31 states of Mexico”.

Art in seven different forms of expression

Clay

Mesoamerican artists have extracted, kneaded, shaped, decorated and fired clay into art form more than 2,000 years. Clay vessels link with the pre-Hispanic past, while clay sculptures of animals and warriors mirror those of ancient times. A wide array of clay specialties are represented including finishes achieved at high temperatures, burnished items, rich figures produced by modeling and molding, polychromatic pieces, and glazed work.

Paper

A popular Mexican art form are creations of “papel picado” or elaborately cut paper used to make perforated flags that decorate streets, homes and altars during holidays such Day of the Dead. Artists also used recycled paper, wire and paste to create “alebrijes”, brightly painted supernatural creatures that incorporate dragons, skeletons, tongues and claws. These creatures are designed to project horror and humor, life and death, beauty and ugliness-dualities that reflect the ways in which Mexicans celebrate birth and death during communal festival and religious services.

Wood

Indigenous woodworking traditions were augmented in the 16th century when Spanish settlers brought new craft traditions and designs to the New World. A tree-rich environment and Spanish missionary influence is evident in a number of religious pieces, furniture and musical instruments as well as utilitarian pieces such as bowls, plates and toys.

Textiles

As one of the most prolific branches of Mexican folk art, textile production reflects an interweaving of native and Spanish traditions. Woolen “gavanes” from Morelos, blankets from Guanajuato and Sonora, and sashes from Chihuahua, all reflect the endurance of ancient designs and production techniques.

Stone

In Mesoamerican stonework featured carvings of deities, warrior and priests. Today’s Great Masters use a variety of mediums such as alabaster, granite, onyx in elaborate sculptures, and volcanic rock sculptures inspired by the pre-Hispanic past.

Metals

The people of ancient Mesoamerica used copper to fashion axes and bells, as well as gold and silver for jewelry. After the Spanish conquest, mining burgeoned. The wider availability of metals promoted iron forging and copper work laying the foundation for today’s folk artist, who convert copper, tin, lead, gold and silver into modern and pre-Hispanic-inspired jewelry, silverware, figurines, lanterns, candelabras and mirror frames.

Leather

Thousands of years ago, pre-Hispanics artists used deer, jaguar, and other animal skins to create percussion instruments, weapons, and sandals. Today artists use cow, goat, lamb, deer, fox, ocelot, sable and badger in their trade. The exhibition features various examples of modern Mexican leatherwork.

(For information about “Grandes Maestros”, at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County you can call: (213) 763-DINO)