Josefina Aguilar Alcantara

Mexico

Year(s) attended: 2008

San Angel Folk Art

Figurative Clay Sculpture

Josefina and Demetrio, mother and son, are from the famed Alguilar family of Ocotlán de Morelos, Oaxaca. Josefina’s mother created the style of figurative work for which the village is now well-known. Both artists make painted figurative ceramics that tell the stories of village, family life, local fiestas such as the Night of the Radishes, Bible stories, the Holy Virgin, Mexican history, among others. Both Josefina and Demetrio pay homage to their family tradition by continuing to explore new forms, colors, texture and themes. The effects can be poignant or humorous, but what unites them is a sense of common humanity.