Alebrijes
Mexican folk art
These fanciful animals are
exaggerated and have colorful
patterns painted on them.
Analyze the basic shapes and
determine how that shape can
be transformed into a three
dimensional form.
As you view these examples,
consider how you can make an
armature from pipe cleaners,
paper and tape.
You will then cover this
armature with plaster gauze
and finally paint the creatures.
Papier Mache Alebrijes
Oaxacan wood carvers borrow and
Rabbit-symbol
of the moon
improvise
themes
and motifs from
Turtles-associated
with musicand
as their
shells
their
rich
Zapotec
Mixtec
were used as instruments.
Toads-having 20heritage.
digits just like humans these
amphibians are seen in early Olmec art as
giving birth to kings.
Jaguar-by far the most revered beast in all
ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Butterfly-associated with fire and war, the
butterfly is thought to be the soul of dead
warriors in Zapotec and Mixtec cultures.
Examples of carved
Alebrijes
While you’re viewing these
examples, practice drawing
some of them using basic
shapes.
The crocodile’s hard ridged
surface and aquatic domain
associated them with the
concept of the earth floating
over the sea.
You are to sketch
several alebrije
designs before your
Your designs should use the design
studio
class.
principles of exaggeration and pattern.
They should look “fanciful”.
Choose an animal that you like and decide what basic
shapes can be used to make the animal.
Think of ways to exaggerate some features of the animal.
Ask yourself, “What would happen if I.....”(stretched, shrunk
or enlarged the ...nose, paws, head etc.) What if I added...
wings, scales, feathers, legs, etc.