Day of the Dead Folk Art

by Stevie Mack, Kitty Williams

The folk art inspired by Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico and around the world, including the American Southwest, powerfully communicates the cultural traditions of this joyous holiday. As a companion volume to the authors' Day of the Dead, this book focuses on the artistic imagery of Day of the Dead, including the skulls, skeletons, and the iconic figure of Catrina, as seen in various pieces of market art, community art and contemporary art. The work and influence of important Mexican folk artists, such as Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera, are represented and discussed.

STEVIE MACK and KITTY WILLIAMS have led Day of the Dead art and cultural tours in Mexico for many years. Through their company CRIZMAC Art & Cultural Education Materials, Inc., they produce award-winning curriculum resources for schools and institutions, including video programs such as Flickering Days of the Dead. They live in Tucson, Arizona.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2015

Reviews

[Shelli]

Short but pretty, Day of the Dead Folk Art includes a very brief history of the origins of the the Mexican, multi-day holiday Día de los Muertos, and is very light on narrative and biographies. Instead, it gives center stage to its excellent photographs of the many artistic components of the festival, focusing, not unexpectedly, on the many types and styles of skeleton figures, including works made by amateurs for their own homes and business, to fine art pieces destined for collections and museums.

Also covered are sugar skulls; pan de muerto, the artistically-baked bread made especially for the yearly celebration; ofrendas, shrines or altars to the deceased; sand paintings; parades, pageants, and costumes; the giant puppets known as monos de calenda; and grave decoration and cemetary vigils. The beautiful cut paper banners, papal picado, are briefly discussed, but unfortunately, no photographs are provided.

Unusually for Hoopla, the port from the Kindle edition actually preserved all the images in their unmangled, high-resolution condition. Yay, Hoopla!

3.5 stars.

[Danny Morrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

Not much substance to it. I will say unstructured were great. If you are looking for a history book this is not one

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly descriptions of the artwork and creators. Some history, but the focus is the art.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! I wish it would be reprinted so I could buy it as gifts for others who also would like to learn more about Day of the Dead.