Pedro Linares López is a Mexican artist who was born in Mexico City. He is known for coining the concept and word Alebrije, which means “zoomorphic Cartonera figure.” His works are often depicted as carnival masks, calaveras, and pinatas.
papier-mache sculptor
Pedro Linares is a papier-mache sculptor best known for his alebrijes, or little creatures. They are based on a dream he had about a forest full of magical creatures. After this vision, he began creating the figures and selling them locally. However, in 1975, a documentary film about his work brought him fame and buyers from all over the world. Although he died in 1992, his descendants continue to produce his pieces today.
The artist has three sons and a handful of grandsons who also help him. They have a multi-studio compound in Mexico City. Their carvings range from musicians and dancers to newspaper delivery men. In addition, Linares’ calaveras are displayed at local galleries during the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos.
In his work, Linares combines animal parts and human figures to create unusual, whimsical creations. He also uses tactile textures and intricate surface patterning to enhance his playful vision of reality. The creation of these works is a part of a pre-Hispanic tradition, wherein death is simply a continuation of life.
Pedro Linares’ creations have a long and colorful history. Aside from his iconic papier-mache alebrijes, he also painted various festival accoutrements.
His work has gained international recognition after a 1975 documentary by Judith Bronowski. He has also been recognized with the first Mexican National Prize in Arts and Sciences. He also influenced his sons and their work. The three sons he raised in his childhood practiced the art and expanded his innovations. They were inspired by his fever dream and created sculptures based on it.
calavera
Pedro Linares Lopez was a Mexican artist who made Judas figures from carton. He also sculpted figurines for Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. After becoming very ill in 1945, he drifted into a fever dream in which he encountered mythical creatures. This fever dream led him to sculpt mythical creatures and insect-like creatures, called alebrijes. The resulting pieces were colorful and patterned.
His visions and dreams changed his life. He remembered the dream and told the story of the dream, plasmating it in his creations. As a result, he gained recognition in Mexico and later in America, Europe, and even the world. In fact, many artesanos today emulate Pedro Linares’ technique and style.
One of the most recognizable works by Pedro Linares is his calavera. It depicts a rainforest scene with monkeys and foliates. The painting technique is also unusually realistic, with cracks, lifting, and other effects that make it unique. In addition to displaying the skulls of departed ancestors, Linares also created figurines that feature scenes from his dreams.
During the late 1990s, he was invited to the United States and Europe to display his carved alebrijes. His art work drew the attention of many artists and his talent was recognized in a documentary by Judith Bronowski. He also won a Premo National Science and Art Prize.
Creating a calavera is a highly intricate process that takes years of practice and skill. Pedro Linares learned this ancient art from his father, who had trained him since he was a young boy.
pinata
Pedro Linares began his career as a Judas figure maker, creating these iconic figures from carton during the Catholic Easter season in Mexico. He also made these iconic figures for famous Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. His pinatas became incredibly popular after a 1975 documentary made about him and his art.
Born in Mexico City, Pedro Linares was trained as an artist by his father, a master papier-mache sculptor. The family business expanded into small toys and masks, and Pedro Linares became known for his work.
He then draws these images, turning them into some of the most beloved Mexican folk art of our time: Alebrijes.
Pedro Linares Lopez was born on June 29, 1906 in Mexico City. He began making his creations while he was still a child.
Pedro Linares was a pioneer of Mexican folk art. His children and grandchildren continue his craft and have even exhibited his creations in museums around the world.
carnival mask
A carnival mask is one of the most iconic symbols of the carnival season. But how did Pedro Linares’ carnival mask come to be? The artist fell ill in 1936 and began having fever dreams, which often included unnaturally colored creatures. During one such dream, Linares overheard a group of voices repeating the nonsense word “Alebrije.” This sparked Linares to create masks that evoked his dreams. The success of these masks led to commissions from Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. A British filmmaker named Judith Bronowski documented the artist in a 1975 documentary.
Pedro Linares began creating these carnival masks in 1936 in Mexico City, where he sold pinatas and carnival masks. As a young man, he started having dreams involving creatures that were either frightening or fanciful. He believed these visions were from the dreamworld, and so he began to create these masks with papier-mache and cardboard. The creations soon became popular and many artists began creating their own.
His nightmares involved strange creatures and a rocky location. His visions were so vivid that he began to imagine them in papier-mache. First he built an armature with wire and newspaper, and then began to construct the body. He added the horns and long claws separately. In addition, he used tape and aluminum foil to add details.
These dreams were not pleasant and he began to have a headache. He ran along the stone path and asked for help. The man helped him and told him to continue walking until he came to a small window. He then passed through, leaving the frightened man behind. The mask now adorns the walls of several museums in Mexico City.
calaveras made by pedro linares
Pedro Linares Lopez was a cardboard worker in Mexico City when he became ill and began to dream about colorful creatures. As a result, he began carving calaveras, which he began to sell to collectors. Then, he went on to win the National Prize for Sciences and Arts in 1990. Though he died in 1992 at the age of 86, his sons have continued the tradition.
The works of Pedro Linares Lopez have become part of Mexican culture, with the Day of the Dead celebrations incorporating them into the festivities. Many people have collected his work and are now using it as decorations. He earned national recognition and invited collectors from across the world to view his works. His sons and grandson Leonardo have carried on the family tradition.
Pedro Linares was born in 1906 in Mexico City. His father was also a papier-mache sculptor and trained him to follow in his footsteps. By the time he was 12, he was already a skilled craftsman.
Pedro Linares Lopez is one of the most famous Mexican artists.
The film, directed by Judith Bronowski, told the story of the man and his work. The film also showcased the artist’s talent and earned him the first National Prize for Arts and Sciences in Mexico.