Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Shadow Shot Sunday 73 - Papel Picado in Mexico...















This week, I have selected a very typical Mexican photograph for Shadow Shot Sunday displaying the usual vibrant colours and the wonderful art of papel picado (paper cuts). Taken recently at a mask exhibition at the Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico City, papel picado is a traditional folk art of Mexico which really appeals to me...


















Strung out as celebratory bunting throughout the streets of Mexican towns, it is a sight I will always associate with this country. I took the following photograph in San Miguel de Allende in 2006 - four years before a shot of exactly the same window and bunting was recently used on the front cover of one of the latest very well known guide books to Mexico....




















Two of my favourite local Mexican artists work exclusively in the art of paper cuts. Check out the truly exquisite work of Margarita Fick who creates these amazing black and white pieces depicting catrinas, calaveras and other Day of the Dead imagery...

















And what about the beautiful work of artist Rosano who produces wonderfully colourful and subtly delicate pieces all underlined with his trademark pair of paper scissors as part of his signature. This one is of the Virgin of Guadalupe currently on display at MAP (Museum of Popular Art.)




















But you can also buy the work of Rosano at his shop in Tepoztlan and at a few locations in Mexico City, namely Bazaar Sabado, Roma, and the MAP shop, whereas the work of Margarita Fick can still be bought at the artesan market in San Miguel de Allende. For more shadow shots this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here...

20 comments:

Joanna said...

These photos are gorgeous. You have brilliantly captured the vibrant colours and the feeling of the papel picado flags. Like you, I see this as emblematic of Mexico. I enjoyed also reading about the work of Margarita Fick. It's worth searching out. Your blog is a constant delight.

Unknown said...

HOLA Catherine!

Your blog was brought to my attention since your are a Mexico traditions lover!

I would appreciate knowing if you have an e-mail address where I can contact you, in order to send you the information of "Todo de Mexico-Grafica Gastronomica", wich I am sure you will like.

Thank you for your consideration.
Rocio.

A Cuban In London said...

Love the photos, your new header, your new background. It all makes feel like autumn, which I believe it's the intention. Many thanks.


Greetings from London.

Fly Girl said...

Oh how I lovel papel picado. There's nothing more festive, it puts ordinary streamers to shame.

Catherine said...

Hi Rocio - tried to get into your blog and couldn't so am leaving my email address here for you to find - bardrick@hotmail.com

thanks for your fine comments - much appreciated..

Rajesh said...

Very colorful shots. Work with the paper is artistic.

GalleryJuana said...

Hi Catherine,

Thanks for the blog visit. To answer your question: I am no longer in Mexico.

Beautiful colors in your photos.

Photography said...

That is so nice. The colours are wonderful. I think I will remember Mexico by these now too!

Sylvia K said...

Oh, I love these, Catherine!! The colors are gorgeous and vibrant and you've caught the patterns of the papel picado perfectly so that we can really appreciate their beauty. And, yes, your blog is always a delight! Have a lovely weekend!

Sylvia

EG CameraGirl said...

The paper cuts by the Mexican artists are incredibly intricate! WOW!

I love the festive colours of your first couple of photos.

EG CameraGirl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ralph said...

The paper is formed into such delicate art. It seems a careful craft to master, but the designs are wonderful, full of style and an almost 3-D design. Nice!

Beverley Baird said...

What incredible intricate work on this paper art! Great shots for the week!

Lynne with an e said...

Exquisitos! (I think I may have made that up, but I'm sure you get my drift)

Linnea said...

Such intricate work. It's amazing and your shots are so graceful!

Chubby Chieque said...

As a catholic, I prefer the last one. My fave. So devine.

Happy SS...

Greetings from Stockholm,
/chie

Anca Pandrea said...

The paper cuts looks so intricate and lovely. And the shadows, likewise.

Kay L. Davies said...

The colours are wonderful, but the black and white is exquisite.

Kay, Alberta

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

Just beautiful! The paper is so lovely I almost forgot to look at the shadows:)

Catherine said...

thanks everyone for such wonderful comments this week - much appreciated as usual...