Saturday, October 1, 2011

Jose Posada (1852-1913)


Fourth and Fifth graders have been looking at the artwork of popular Mexican cartoonist and illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913).  Jose Posada is best known for his skeleton prints which were distributed on handbills, in newspapers, and in magazines all over Mexico City.
Jose Posada is a well-loved artist in Mexico, not just because of his illustrations, but also because he was a great advocate for the rights of working people.  He was supportive of the ideas which lead to the Mexican Revolution .  His skeletons cartoons were inspired by the 3,000 year old Mexican Day of the Dead traditions and some of his cartoons poke fun at wealthy politicians and their fine wives.    
Jose Posada inspired the next generation of Mexican artists and is considered by many to be the Father of Mexican Modern art. 

Kids worked in pairs to look at different examples of his work and we did a critique using the "I see...I think...I wonder" format.  Some things kids were wondering about his work..."I wonder where he got his inspiration."  "I wonder if I could be a great artist like that."  "I wonder how many pictures he made."  And my very favorite:  "I wonder if she likes her hat."

Stay tuned...we finished rough draft today.  Skeletons to follow.  

  

2 comments:

  1. There ya have it, I've seen his artwork but didn't know anything about him! Thanks for the information.

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  2. Thanks for the information. I've been making day of the dead plans. Definitely printmaking will work!

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