Retablos and Ex-Votos Exhibit
October 28 - November 27, 2002
Retablos and Ex-Votos:
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The Tradition Today
Nowadays the tradition of painted Ex- Votos is very much
in decline. Easily and cheaply obtained prints and photographs and the
increased costs to artisans for materials and cost of living have done
much to reduce the willingness of individuals to pay for items such
as these. It is very difficult to see an Ex-Voto dated from after the
1960's. Social displacement, a decrease in the exhibition of traditional
rituals, as well as competition from other religious faiths have helped
to de-emphasize the value of folklore observances.
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Until a few years ago these laminas could be obtained very cheaply. Today there are a finite number of them available and they are highly desired as collectibles. In the future, as more studies contribute to the growth of knowledge on this subject, it is probable that these paintings will increase in value. Given their scarcity it was inevitable that artists in Mexico would copy this style of art. Wonderful examples of Votos and retablos can be seen on the market. Although these are not genuine tokens of faith and devotion they still serve as magnificent examples of a style of folk art. These also honor and provide continuity to traditional artistic expressions.
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Many of the Ex -Votos shown in this exhibit were collected over a number
of years by Annabelle and Nathan Bressler, mostly around the area of Guanajuato
and Guerrero. Mrs. Bressler was a well known physical anthropologist who
did much work in Mexico, especially on Aztec architecture and artifacts.
The Bresslers also used to live part of each year in Mexico where they
indulged in their collecting passion for Pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial
religious and secular folk art and artifacts.
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Thanks to: |
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