La Calenda (Oaxacan Parade) Set, 2016
by José Juan García Aguilar
Ocotlán de Morelos, Oaxaca, Mexico
clay, pigment
figures range from 4 to 6" high to 2" to 3" wide
*dimensions of individual pieces available upon request
A calenda is a vibrant, traditional street parade or procession, often held to celebrate community milestones including weddings, religious festivals, and baptisms. Key elements include live brass bands, people dancing in colorful clothing, "monos de calenda" (large papier-mâché puppets), and marmotas (large fabric globes), usually leading attendees through streets to a reception.
This one-of-a-kind processional Set was purchased by Rose and Cecil Quintana in 2016 at the one-man exhibition for Jose Juan Aguilar at Galería Atotonilco in Atotonilco, Guanauato, Mexico. Juan considers this to be one of the most important sets he has ever created, and he was thrilled that such enthusiastic and excited collectors had purchased the piece for their collection. This set is museum quality, with each figure painstakingly formed and then painted with Juan's signature pigment tones and intricacy. It is our hope this set will go to someone who equally appreciates the time and dedication it took to create this important work.
Jose Juan Aguilar’s roots run deep in the rich soil of Oaxaca, a place renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse traditions. Growing up surrounded by the colorful markets and the spirited community of artisans, he was inspired from a young age. Jose often watched his family members create beautiful handmade pieces, and it wasn’t long before he picked up his first clay lump, eager to craft his own creations.
“Oaxaca is full of life and inspiration,” Jose shares. “Every piece of pottery tells a story, and I want my work to connect people to the culture I love.”
José Juan García Aguilar is the talented youngest son of Josefina Aguilar. Born in 1974, Jose Juan grew up in a family renowned for creating decorative clay figures. He has established himself as one of Mexico's premier folk art sculptors. He has taught his unique style within Mexico as well as abroad. He is distinguished for his figures of saints, as well as animals and insects with skulls.
He himself is involved in the complete process of each piece and his wife supports him by giving the first coat of primary colors to the pieces. He molds his pieces with the clay he collects locally, bakes them and finishes by painting them with great detail. His skill as a painter stands out from other artists.
The Aguilar family is recognized in the world as artists of clay figures. They are originally from the town of Ocotlán de Morelos, in Oaxaca. Jose Juan's mother, Josefina, is famous for her dolls which are considered traditional Mexican handicrafts. These dolls gained international acclaim when they were collected by Nelson Rockefeller during his trips to Oaxaca in the 1970s. This family of artists captures the jovial celebration of daily life and folk traditions in Mexico.
Josefina's mother was Doña Isaura Alcantara Diaz, who died in 1969 at the age of 44. She was the innovator of an important and delightful genre of pottery. Departing from the utilitarian objects such as bowls, vessels, and pots produced by her contemporaries in her village, she introduced decorative human figures. His figures imaginatively capture the daily life, passionate expressiveness and cultural richness of village life. The great detail of his colorful hand-painted human figures envelops the "vitality" of their traditional lives and the depth of their emotion and pulse.
“I want people to feel the spirit of Oaxaca when they see my pottery,” he explains.
