Book Review: Mexican Folk Art Oaxacan Artist Families by Arden Aibel Rothstein and Anya Leah Rothstein
Alvin Starkman MA, LL.B.
Fans of the popular art of the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico are already familiar with Arden Aibel Rothstein and Anya Leah Rothstein Mexico Folk Art Oaxacan artist families (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 2007). It was surprising to learn, however, that some people with an interest in crafts Central Valleys of Oaxaca, are not even aware of this fundamental work – especially since it was first published in 2002.
Editing Mexican Folk Art 2007 is a comprehensive collection and a detailed review of each major type of Oaxaca contemporary folk art, contained in a format refreshingly easy to use. The book is divided into ten chapters, each devoted to a different medium: ceramics, textiles, wood carving, metal (including work tin, cutlery and knives), miniatures and toys, jewelry, candles, baskets of dried flowers and crafts, with the last chapter on the Day of the Dead.
In general, each chapter begins with an overview of an art form, such as variations in their interior. In chapter ceramic, for example, the divisions are Terracotta, Glazed green, multi-colored patio, Black (black clay) and painted red. Often, a village in the central valleys of Oaxaca is known for the production of a certain type of folk art. Therefore, in some cases, a chapter and then proceeds to describe a particular village, giving Additional reader context. Find descriptions of, among others, the pottery towns Atzompa, San Bartolo Coyotepec and Ocotlan.
When a family is characterized by a particular innovation or adeptness at creating a true profession, a family history continues. Highlighted individual craftsmen. For the black clay San Bartolo Coyotepec, we find descriptions of the family De Nieto Castillo, of which the famous Mrs. Rosa was a member, along with biographies of his son Don Valente Nieto Real and members of his clan, and the family of Pedro Martinez, the acclaimed biographies of Charlemagne Pedro Martinez and his family.
In total, popular Mexican Art shows works by 100 artists from 50 families who live in Oaxaca or one of 13 cities and towns. In most cases we are enlightened with regard to personality, world view and the motivation of each individual carver weaver or potter, and always with a biographical sketch, improved with the inclusion of a direct quotation. In this way the reader gains insight into the inspiration of each craftsman. In many cases, the authors also include a section on the techniques used by the artist, who in various ways including the supply of raw materials such as wool from the Mixtec region of the state for the manufacture of carpets and tapestries, or clay from other regions of the state to change the tone and texture of the sculptures, and processing methods that include the removal of dyes natural fruits, plants, soil and cochineal.
With its glossy front cover and about 700 photographs, Mexican folk art rightly be called a coffee table book. But it is much more. The pictures in themselves to bring the book, and artists to life: Apolinar Aguilar Ocotlán, forging red-hot piece of metal recycling in a hunting knife art, a provocative painting exhibition of clay ladies of the night made by his cousin Julian, son of the famous Guillermina Aguilar, Jacobo Angeles de San Martín Tilcajete carve a wooden figure of the copal tree, or standing next to his wife Mary and his family, each sample an exquisitely painted pride alebrije; Teotitlan del Valle, Isaac Vásquez weaver, working at her loom in the creation of a table, the model inspired by a pictograph Hispanic, and good examples of multi-colored highly detailed hand embroidery of San Antonio, as the yoke and the sleeve of a gown.
This gem should easily attract any reader with an interest or expertise in anthropology, history or geography. The importance and influence of indigenous Zapotec and current cultural events shines through many of the ethnographic accounts. Genealogies (called Family trees) that includes one of the appendices found in depth, and date and in the 19th century. Help the reader understand the historical and generational evolution of Oaxacan crafts.
To help those with an interest in exploring the craft villages and visiting artists on their own without the help of a guided tour of Oaxaca, through the body of the book, the address and additional contact information available for each artist is always, as the phone number and email. A second appendix consists of a series of town maps easy to read, detailing the exact location of each featured artist, also facilitate contact.
Authors Arden and Anya Rothstein correctly warn that its presentation of the artists is "a sampling" of what is available to interested in exploring the interior of Oaxaca. In practice to go out and explore on your own, finding that the next popular artist that could rise to international stature. They are careful to clarify that the inclusions are based on the craftsmen are the most innovative, or produce work that is particularly high according to certain criteria. The Rothsteins recognize the innovative work of an entire class of popular art, and the quality of producing a cut above the rest, is often outside the financial reach of many. Therefore, they have other artists whose works are more affordable, but also of exceptional quality.
Collectors popular art often need a reminder that the purchase of the work of a recognized name does not necessarily mean that the product is best in terms of coloration or patina, shape, design, or causing the images, and what strikes the fancy of the majority, or so-called experts, may not be your cup of tea in particular. Along this line, "honorable mention" is provided for manufacturers of certain trades, whose works are featured (under the title of, for example, "additional Arrazola artisans). The clear suggestion is that readers should go out and explore, and make their own determinations and decisions based personal preferences.
Is it worth buying the 2nd edition if you already have one? Since then, give some consideration if has done to yourself trapped in the assessment and collection of folk art from Oaxaca to have explored the central valleys. When the volume of 2002 has 500 photos and features with 87 artists in 44 families, the most recent publication, as noted above, has been expanded to 700, 100 and 50, respectively. Some of the artisans only is mentioned in the previous volume under the "additional" heading, have risen to "guest artist" with his plays and stories chronic properly. And in some cases where families have grown and people have been altered demographics, the authors observed the changes properly. Wisely, at least in the opinion of this reviewer, U.S. dollar "Price Guide" has been omitted from this new volume, because more than anything else is likely to cause confusion for the public buyer, with the possibility of putting up barriers between artists and potential customers. In relations between U.S. and Mexican economies, there are so many variables and market conditions in the game, the better to allow suppliers / creator and the buyer makes its own assessment respecting the value of labor.
Popular Mexican Art is a rather thorough-study of all major types of Oaxaca contemporary folk art and its creators, past and present. Do not let that they look like "just another coffee table book fantasy" deceive. Achieves what it intends to do, and more. Should be seen as a guide, rather than a Bible. If we are ever blessed with a 3 rd edition, the publisher may consider it appropriate to place copies of village maps in a pocket … would be a shame for a wonderful work to be improperly used by toting it from town to town.
About the Author
Alvin Starkman received his Masters in Social Anthropology in 1978. After teaching for a few years he attended Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, thereafter embarking upon a career as a litigator until 2004. Alvin now resides in Oaxaca, where he writes, leads small group tours to the villages, markets, ruins and other sites, is a consultant to film production companies, and operates Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast. ( http://www.oaxacadream.com ) .
Southern Pottery, Monkey Jug, Face Jug, Folk Art Pottery, Pottery, Edgefield, Dave the Slave
