I am an admirer of folk art retablos. This one in our “house” in Los Sauces, El Calafate, the hotel reportedly owned by the female president of Brazil, is one of the finest I’ve ever seen. It purposely leaves some figures un-hand painted to show us the work involved in this art. Retablos are three-dimensional shadow boxes with figures hand-made of clay that traditionally depicted religious figures, but have evolved to include everyday scenes with a common theme. They are such alive, positive, life affirming and engaging art. They display what I love so much about Latin America, the kindness, the familial connectedness, the warmth.
This Retablo shows a wedding celebration. Here are some of the individual scenes:
To learn more about this folk art form click on this link.
wow! Clay huh? very nice!
Yes hand made entirely! They are wonderful. Thanks for commenting~
Thank you for sharing
:)
Perfectly charming! I can see why you are taken with this folk art form.
They make me happy. Thanks for your appreciation~
Of all of them, Cindy, the last one with the two guitar players is my favorite. ~Paul~
Because they are having such fun! Such happy art. Thanks Paul~
Another thing completely new to me. Thank you!
Well, that is what your posts usually are to me, so were even Steven!
These are really lovely
I just love them! Glad that you do too~
Love those little figures.
Such a celebration of everyday life. Glad you like them~
How cool! And the photos are great
Merci beacoup to you!
The creative spirit of humanity continues to inspire and energize….remarkable artistic talent!!!
I agree and love for family and community that is so much a part of Latin American culture. We Norte Americanos have lost touch with these traditions which is not helping anyone.
I agree – we seem to want to forget where we came from…
Fine art work and I like them !
Me too & thanks for appreciating them!
I have worked with polymer clay and have made some interesting little do-dads. I make bases to go around small votive glass candle holders. Mostly as a hobby so I’ve just given them as gifts. This reminds me of your figurines here. Only I don’t have to paint, as the clay comes in many colors.
Oh, I would so love to see these. Can you post some photos??? Sounds wonderful~
I think most of those photos are still on the old drive of the computer that got replaced. I don’t have anything on my laptop. The last two years my fingers have been writing or typing. But I did have fun with that crafting.Thanks for asking.
they are very nice and so “earthy” and grounded. Looks like they’ve been making figurines like those for years and years.
They have. The Spaniards use to bring portable tiny alters with them to the new world and this started the tradtion. Thanks for noticing!
Absolutely gorgeous Cindy, thanks for sharing that!
So glad you liked it. Thank you!
What craftsmanship Cindy! I love them all; especially the carrying of the cake
Oh yes!! You should have made the cake!!!!
So beautiful! Great handcraft!
I agree with you & thank you!
Completely charming. Do you have one in your own home?
Good question. No I don’t and I would like one. We looked at many in Calafate, but on this trip we were flying multiple times on Air Argentina to get to the different parts of Patagonia. Air Argentina has a 42 pound weight limit which I was already over, and I didn’t feel comfortable carrying it on plane after plane, as I was afraid it would break. They were not able to mail it. Customs difficulties. I am now searching for one online. I love the markets, fruit, or bread or flowers. If I buy one, I’ll post it. I did hear back from the Indigo Gallery who I called.
Best of luck. You will be successful!
I love 3D arts of all kinds. This one is so many art pieces in one. Exquisite!
I agree with you! Each country in Latin America has slightly different versions. I have two old retablos that my mother gave me, but they are on tin and not 3D. I’m on the hunt now to purchase one. I wasn’t able to buy one in country due to concerns about breakage if I lugged it on plane after plane! Thanks for your appreciation~
I love Latin American folk art. Some of the pictures brought back memories of Brazil – I lived 2 years in Northeastern Brazil where this style was created: the 3rd & 4th pictures of the wedding guests with classic pictures of Jesus in the background, bumba-meu-boi (fifth picture from the top), banda de pifanos (7th picture) and all the daily life scenes – I especially like the newlyweds on the red – bull, cow, horse? I’m not sure, but it’s lovely!!
Why is it do you think, that I get to meet such fascinating people blogging? I’m always asking someone whose lived in exotic locales to post about it. I have blogging friends from all over the world now which is so cool. Of course, my enquiring mind wants to know, why did you live in Brazil for two years and where did you live precisely? Tell me more, tell me more…
I remember the bumba festival in Brazil when we went up the Amazon
My husbands parents lived in Brazil for two years also, because his dad taught at the university.
I am looking seriously at this style of retablo. The Jiminez family makes these incredible ones that I am eyeing and thinking about….You can view them online.
I am on the same page as you re: Latin American art, it is happy art that I have collected over decades and I love each piece.
Cheers to you and thanks and please, tell me more……….