Art

Painting in Public Spaces

Painting in Public Spaces

The making of the mural was inspired by the Popol Vuh. The Popol Vuh is a sacred book of the K’iche’ Maya and narrates the creation of vegetation, animals, the first man made from corn, and, afterwards, the origin of the K’iche’ Maya.

Los Todos Santeros

Los Todos Santeros

“The indigenous seem to understand instinctively what I want from them; we communicate with looks and gestures. The most important thing is empathy and mutual trust. This is a formula that has never failed me.”
—Los Todos Santeros, Hans Namuth,

Quick Sketch: Seven Questions for Orestes

Quick Sketch: Seven Questions for Orestes

Briefly describe your art.
My art is to represent everything as much as I can in high texture.
What is your favorite art medium?
Clay. Then once I fire it, it becomes ceramic.
When did you learn how to work with clay and ceramic?
I was going to take a class in English literature, but the class was canceled. Then [...]

Artisty in Wood

Artisty in Wood

text and photos by Ira Lewis
Woodcarving in Guatemala
Guatemala is fortunate to have a long, rich history of artisan/artists working in many media going back to pre-Colonial times. Most of the ancient sculpted art is seen as carved stone. However, some of the less-durable carvings in wood from this era still survive.
We are fortunate that [...]

Comalapa Naïve

Comalapa Naïve

written by Dianne Carafino
“The Florence of Guatemala” was once posted on a sign at the entrance of San Juan Comalapa. Regardless of such a welcome, Comalapa —an easy hour or so drive from La Antigua Guatemala—could hardly look less like Florence, Italy. Nestled among pine trees and cornfields in the scenic mountainous Western Highlands of [...]

Museo de Arte Guatemalteco Primitivo – Contemporáneo

Museo de Arte Guatemalteco Primitivo – Contemporáneo

text and photos by Dianne Carofino  
Interested in Guatemala’s primitive art and artists but unable to search out the artists themselves? Try a one-block walk up 4a calle from La Antigua’s central park, to the Museo de Arte Guatemalteco Primitivo – Contemporáneo. With May 18 designated as the Day of Museums by the International Council [...]