One of the most striking aspects of Mexican culture is its deep tradition of folk art. It is everywhere: from market stalls to the humblest homes; in everyday cooking utensils and street murals, in restaurants and clothing. A quick walk down a street can reveal sculpted wood doors, paper mache piñatas and papel picado punched paper garlands.
The tradition of making things by hand is so deeply rooted that art and colour seep into practically every aspect of life.
As a designer, seeing this folk art tradition in Mexico fills me with awe every single time. It can be hard to wrap your mind around so much colour and artistry and intricacy surrounding you, especially when you're from a culture that's less exposed to art in day-to-day life.
I wanted to share some of my favourite images of colourful, awe-inspiring artesanias from our last trip to Puebla, Oaxaca and Mexico City. While this is just a scratch in the surface of getting to know these customs, I hope these images bring you a dose of joy and colour and visual inspiration.
Papel picado for sale in market in Puebla
One of the best places to get a full overview of Mexico's vast folk art tradition is in the Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City. A museum fully dedicated to preserving and promoting folk art, it is filled with collections of handicrafts and explanations of their history.
The intricate arbol de vida, tree of life sculptures
The museum explains how folk art in Mexico is deeply linked to indigenous traditions, the country's mixed historical roots and its vast biodiversity.
One of my favourites - the avocado street vendor
Geography and the environment play a role in the type of folk art that is produced in different parts of the country, with more muted earthy colours in the desert-filled north and vivid colours in the lush south.
Art from the north
More colourful art from the Oaxaca region in the south
Map of Mexico's biodiversity by painter Jose Miguel Covarrubias Duclaud
The museum happened to be having a piñata art competition.
We also stumbled upon a free exhibit in Mexico City honouring the grand masters of folk art. This was the point at which my brain and senses overloaded on Mexican artistry.
Mexico is truly a land of artists. I can't wait to keep exploring these folk art traditions.
Have you been to Mexico and seen any folk art? Let me know in a comment below!
Great piece Barbara. Such lovely insight into a fascinating tradition and culture
Thank you! It really is a fascinating culture!
Thank you Barbara for a quick tour of Mexico’s Folk art. Great inspiration for those who have lots of time and are willing to spend some of it on developing their artistic skills.
So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it’s nice to see the world right now, even if it’s just through the computer 🙂