MEXICAN SKULLS & SKELETON ART: CATRIONA STATUES, CALAVERAS. MAZATLAN ART WALK, NIDART LEATHER MASKS.
Every sunny destination has a dark side. Case in point: I was in Mazatlan, Mexico for Day of the Dead.
The press trip included an Art Walk in the Historic District. Oh, the spooky art I encountered!
My favorite local gallery was Nidart, known for handmade leather masks. The curving forms and facial expressions are one-of-a-kind.
Secret garden in the back, framed by animal and devil masks.
What a treat to see the artisans at work. One of the journalists bought this Pirate, for only US $90.
Sunglasses: gifted from Erica Anenberg
Sundress: gifted from Sourpuss Clothing (note the skull and crossbones print! I also wore it in Venice, Italy)
Big sunhat: from a Hong Kong street stall
I pressed magenta glitter on top of my lipstick, for a candy-sparkle shimmer. I extended my liquid eyeliner outward, so that it peeks through the hole in the sunglasses.
Death is everywhere… in local galleries, on the wall of Angela Peralta theater. And she’s never looked better.
Despite the dark themes, the art feels uplifting. The colors and active poses reflect the Mexican folk view that life and death are balancing forces.
This idea’s expressed in the Catrionas, or elegant skeleton ladies. You’ll see more in my travel videos and Dia de los Muertos coverage, coming soon.
At the end of the art tour, we took a much-needed stop for handmade sorbet. Guava and tangerine. Yum.
Have you ever been to Mexico? Do you collect art, or memorabilia of any kind? If so, what?
PS: I’m glad you enjoyed my holiday gift guide. Can you guess what my fat cat’s getting for Christmas? Maybe another cat stroller if he’s nice, or a crib if he’s naughty…
Song of the Day: Morbid Fancy – The Incident
❤ Felt inspired? Then give the post a Like (below). ❤
27 Comments
that’s icecream are so delicious xD
Yesssssssssss omggg I want more
You can never go wrong with Day of The Dead-keep the pics coming! Thanks!
Yay!
La Catrina ♥,
Something so traditional and folk being so evil.Awesome. XD
And it’s cool how the name “La Carmina” probably fits down there in Mexico. :]
Yes and in Italy too!! :)
i like the art’s vibrant colors and how it portrays frightening things in a way that is not neccessarily frightening. it is my understanding that the Mexicans view reunion with the dead during the festivities as a positive experience, whereas Halloween emphasizes fear of death. however, i think there is perhaps some psychological value to confronting that fear, as doing so lets us realize we need not let what frightens us dominate our lives.
It’s fascinating. I’m keen to learn more.
The orange architecture photo is my favorite.
Wan!
The masks are breathtaking, so realistic and fantastic at the same time. I’d love to have one!
Great dress, very appropriate to the theme of the festivities and the colourful art ^.~
I was tempted to get one too!
Ever since your segment on Andrew Zimmern’s show, I’ve loved these posts. It’s given me more reasons to reach my goal of being a journalist.
Wow, thank you dear!! Aim high!
love to go to a Day of the Dead celebration someday
You’re beautiful!
Jolie chapeau!
beautiful as always my dear, keep up the good work.
anyway to get me some skulls for a present? lol You always look great! i love reading your blogs!
Day of the Dead coverage coming up!
wow! I’m from Mexico and definetly the DAY OF THE DEATH is a celebration I always look forward to!! :]
I had such a wonderful time in Mexico :)
I think you look adorable! ^_^
so cool!
Thanks dear!!! I still have some Decabar photos and Torture Garden pics to post… :)
gorgeous!