What is Oaxaca?
Oaxaca (wa-HAH-ka) is a state in southern Mexico. It is the home of tropical plants, insects, animals and fantastic stories from the native Indian culture. The artists of this region are known for the bright colors, beautiful images and magical tales depicted in their works.
One of Oaxaca's most well-known artists is Francisco Toledo. He grew up in southern Mexico as a Zapotec Indian, where creatures such as snakes, iguanas, turtles and numerous insects were a part of his daily life. He was raised listening to the ancient folklore of his culture. This folklore inspired his use of unusual combinations of humans and animals in his art.
Other Oaxacan artists have been inspired by the creatures and beautiful landscapes that surround them and often use natural pigment colors in their textile weavings, drawings and paintings.
You can learn more about the art of Oaxaca at the Museum of Latin American Art. On view through April 15 are 100 original prints by Toledo, as well as colorful works by other Oaxacan masters. For information, call (562) 437-1689 or visit http://www.molaa.com.
This information was provided by the Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach.
