La Cartonería Mexicana / The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste

Mexican cartonería uses simple materials of paste, cardboard, and paper to create a diverse array of subjects such as piñatas, dolls, Day of the Dead skeletons, and fantastical animals called alebrijes.

The first exhibition to focus exclusively on a Mexican folk art tradition in many years, La Cartonería Mexicana will display whimsical historic sculptures from the Museum of International Folk Art’s Permanent Collection. Many of the sculptures were collected by Alexander Girard and have never been displayed. These historic works will be exhibited alongside the work of contemporary Mexican piñata makers, highlighting that cartonería is a vital, living tradition. 

Mexican artists will be invited to work in the gallery, offering visitors to experience the creativity of cartonería today. ​​

The exhibition will take place in the Hispanic Heritage Wing at the Museum of International Folk Art. The Hispanic Heritage Wing is one of the few museum wings in the United States which devotes space to display the art and heritage of Hispanic and Latino culture. Th Museum of International Folk Art shapes a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic traditions.

Credit: Overview from museum website