Frida and Diego Sitting on Bench
by Josefina Aguilar, Mexico
hand built clay, pigment
6.5” high x 6” wide x 3.25” deep
Provenance: Collection of Rose and Cecil Quintana
Josefina Aguilar Alcántara was born in 1945 in Ocotlan de Morelos, Oaxaca, Mexico. Josefina was unquestionably the greatest artist of the very talented Aguilar sisters, and had a very prolific career.
Josefina is best known for her small clay figurines, called muñecas, an art form she learned from her mother Isaura Aguilar. Aguilar uses red clay to create depictions of everyday village activities, religious and folkloric scenes, famous figures, and special Day of the Dead statues.
Collectors of her work have included Nelson Rockefeller, who discovered her work on a trip to Oaxaca in 1975, as well as repeat visitors to Oaxaca, who come to see her latest work. Children's book author Jeanette Winter has written and illustrated a counting book inspired by Aguilar's life and work.
Josefina continues to live in Ocotlan de Morelos, and has passed on her technique and knowledge of clay to the next generation. Sadly, Josefina is now blind and is no longer creating work.
