Calaveras Mexicanas: The Art and Influence of José Guadalupe Posada September 13–December 15, 2013
José Guadalupe Posada, Calavera de la Catrina (Skull of the Female Dandy), from the portfolio 36 Grabados: José Guadalupe Posada, published by Arsacio Vanegas, Mexico City, c. 1910, printed 1943, photo-relief etching with engraving, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the friends of Freda Radoff.
José Guadalupe Posada, Calavera de Francisco I. Madero (Calavera of Francisco Madero), from the portfolio Monografía: Las obras de José Guadalupe Posada, grabador mexicano, published by Mexican Folkways, Mexico City, 1910, printed 1930, photo-relief etching with engraving, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by Frank Ribelin.
Manfred Bischoff, “René Descartes” Ring, 1998, mirrored glass, coral, and gold, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Helen Williams Drutt Collection, Museum purchase funded by the Morgan Foundation in honor of Catherine Asher Morgan. © Manfred Bischoff
Leopoldo Méndez , Las antorchas (The Torches), 1947, printed 1948, linoleum cut on ivory wove Parsons Diploma Parchment, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the friends of Freda Radoff.
Información en español sobre la exposición.
This exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), considered the father of Mexican printmaking. Calaveras Mexicanas: The Art and Influence of José Guadalupe Posada showcases a group of approximately 50 of the artist's prints that explore the continuing resonance of his work.
Divided into three sections, the presentation begins with an introduction to Posada that contextualizes his prints and contributions to Mexican art and culture. The second section spotlights Posada’s renowned calaveras (skulls), or prints depicting skeletons of famous heroes, politicians, and revolutionary leaders, as well as common people. After his death, Posada's calaveras became the imagery most associated with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday on November 1 and 2 in Mexico, and around the world, that celebrates loved ones who have died. The exhibition also features the work of artists who were inspired by Posada, such as Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Graciela Iturbide, Luis Jiménez, and Earl Staley.
The final segment investigates the artistic influence and legacy of Posada, as seen in works by José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siquieros, and by artists associated with the Taller del Gráfica Popular, including Elizabeth Catlett, Leopoldo Méndez, and Alfredo Zalce.
Enhance Your Visit
► A Looking Activity: Calaveras at the Museum
José Guadalupe Posada is not the only artist to incorporate calaveras. Use this map to discover 10 works of art throughout the galleries that feature skulls, skeletons, and bones. Click the link above to print at home, or pick up a copy at the Kinder Foundation Education Center when you arrive at the Museum. Find at least six of the calaveras and collect a prize at the KFEC!
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.