ALEBRIJES OF THE OAXACA

In this project, the students explored the function of form and shape in creating a wooden sculpture based on the craft of alebrijes from Oaxaca, Mexico.  We studied how the artists who practice this craft utilize simplified forms and bright colors in creating representations of animals indigenous to Mexico. Keeping with the Latin American curriculum of the other classes, this project studies a craft native to Mexico, the Oaxacan Alebrijes and the artist Manuel Jimenez.  Students explored the concepts of how artists began to create these sculptures, what they represent, and how they are used to help aid the people of Oaxaca through the sale of these sculptures.Using this knowledge and motivation, the students assembled their own animal sculptures using wood scraps of various shapes and sizes and hot glue, then painted them with tempera paints.

Selected documents: Lesson Plan