In the heart of Mexican culture lies a captivating art form that transcends generations Alebrijes. These whimsical sculptures, bursting with vibrant colors, are more than mere decorative pieces; alebrijes represent the soul of Mexican folklore and culture of a city.
In an oneiric world, Alebrijes come to life as surreal creatures. The creator is Pedro Linares Lopez, a paper Maché artist from Mexico City.
Pedro Linares fell sick and had severe hallucinations where he saw fantastic figures like a donkey with wings, a frog with a rooster’s head and so many other creatures that he used to call Alebrije. This is why there is not a precise meaning for alebrije nor an etymology for the word.
A gallery owner from southern Mexico, from Cuernavaca, was the first to be attracted by the art of Pedro Linares. Until 1975, Pedro Linares’ work was only sold locally . His sculptures developed considerably after the documentary made by Judith Bronowski on this artisan. But it was only in the 1980s that a workshop demonstrating Alebrijes sculptures emerged through the works of Pedro Linares, Manuel Jiménez and Maria Sabina.
Alebrijes evolved not only from Paper Maché but also from wood.
While the creator of alebrijes hailed from Mexico City, the renowned alebrijes today predominantly originate in San Martin Tilcajete. Oaxaca known as the “land of alebrijes” where visitors can discover families of artisans dedicated to handcarving and painting these creatures.
In supporting the artisans, your contribution resonates beyond a mere purchase, it becomes a pledge to safeguard a cultural legacy.
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