Hispanic Folk Art
Added 2020-07-23 19:00:04 +0000 UTCI've made a lot of references to historic Hispanic Folk Art lately. I wanted to share visually what I've been talking about. These are all images from a book called, "New Kingdom of The Saints" (Religious Art of New Mexico 1780-1907). It's a very thorough book, containing so many images of santos (a term used only in Northern New Mexico meaning image of a saint). Retablos are painted on a flat surface, like the pictures shown here.
Because of the remoteness and difficulties in travelling to Northern NM, people had to get very creative in making their own religious images. By way of Mexico travel to these remote places took months, there were no roads, there were hostile tribes, and harsh seasons. There were mountains, canyons, deserts in between. I find the inventiveness and creativity of these early settlers inspiring! Using what was available, creating their own pigments, and using what skills they had.
Comments
Yes, found in churches almost exclusively historically. Sadly, it went out of fashion when mass produced art became widely available. There's been a resurgence in the style for perhaps the past 50 years. With more Hispanic artists returning to the style for religious art. There aren't many still in churches, but those that were recovered are in museums and preserved. The tradition was for the images to be painted on wood panels, sometimes animal hides.
Rachael Padilla
2020-07-23 20:51:14 +0000 UTCfascinating. would these be found in churches? still in Northern NM? or have they been moved elsewhere? would they be painted on panels or directly on the wall? thanks for sharing this.
Glen
2020-07-23 20:41:38 +0000 UTC
