Dia De Los Muertos Charro Couple, 2017
Alvaro de la Cruz (d. 2022)
Capula, Michoacan, Mexico
clay, pigment
29” high x 7" x 5" deep
Michoacan ceramic artist Alvaro de la Cruz López (d. 2022) was born in Capula, Michoacán.
De la Cruz took the character of the Catrina, created by Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) and turned it into an art form. The Catrina is a skeleton dressed in elegant clothes and was a symbol of the growing bourgeoisie at the turn of the last century. Although most of his figures are female, Alvaro gives attention to male figures as well including charros (Mexican cowboys) or male companions. The detail is incredible and each figure is handmade and there is only one of its kind.
Alvaro has passed on his legacy to his sons Juan Carlos, Daniel and Antonio, who are becoming well known ceramic artists on their own merits.
