Diego Rivera
Faithful…to his art and politics
It is with delicious irony that Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato. In the indigenous Tarascon dialect, the name Guanajuato means: place of frogs. Often endearingly and sometimes not, Rivera, with rounded chin and eyes bulging with imagination acquired the nickname ‘Frog’. Rivera’s claims to history include his tumultuous two marriages with Frida Kahlo and...
Museo Dolores Olmedo
Tranquillity in the Big City
You can travel thirty-two kilometers from the zocalo (town square) to the quaint canals of Xochimilco and still be in Mexico City. Just short of this is a retreat, the sixteenth century monastery/hacienda/Museo Dolores Olmedo, home to the largest private collection of original Diego Rivera paintings, Frida Kahlo works and the largest private collection of...
Angelitos
In Guanajuato
ANGELITOS…I’ve heard this word referenced in Spanish songs and poetry lyrics. I always assumed the literal translation ‘little angels’ applied, conjuring pretty images…mostly chubby cherubs or wispy waifs with wings growing out of their backs: a metaphor for lofty sweetness and innocence in humans! A visit to El Museo de las Momias in Guanajuato straightened...
Alfredo Tapia
The passion of the artist and teacher
When one gets into conversation with Alfredo Tapia, it does not take long to realize how much his work is his life. Not only is he prolific, he has the desire and the gift to impart his knowledge to budding artists. Born, bred and living in Zihuatanejo, he is determined to shape culture in the...
Babel: The Children are not Alright
With Babel, Alejandro González Iñárritu has created a multi-layered, cinematic collage that takes us around the world where adults have problems, true. But the poignancy of the film lies in the fact that no matter where, privileged or poor, children are subjected to harsh absurdities lurking like a sub-terra contagion. González Iñárritu, the current master at...
Wearable Art, Neckpieces by Arthur Koby
For those of us lucky enough to be on La Ropa beach at sunset on December 30, we were treated to models dressed like classic Hellenic statues. Each wore one spectacular neckpiece by New York jewellery artist, Arthur Koby. What better setting than sand, sea and last light of day to see this exquisite new...
Emilia Castillo & Gigi Mizrahi at GALArt
Rocio Madrazo promotes the art of jewellery as well as traditional art in her gallery Galart. With enthusiasm she talks about the work of two women she represents. Emilia Castillo is one example of a multimedia artist. Her line of silver jewellery is Mayan- influenced as well as her tableware (hand-hammered salad tossers with copper...
