“All over Latin America, there is a sacred geography, known mainly to the faithful.” (Marion Oettinger, curator, “Visiones del Pueblo – The Folk Art of Latin America”, exhibition catalog, p. 29)

 

Throughout Latin America, much of the folk art reflects popular expressions of faith. It is almost impossible to view Latin American popular art forms outside a religious or spiritual context. In many regions where the way of life is still pre-industrial, but also in urban areas, religious faith serves to make sense of the general order of things, to cope with adversity and provide a refuge from hardship, death, disease, accidents.

 

Usually created by indigenous artists but based on European colonial models, carved and sculpted santos, nichos (traveling or household shrines), retablos and ex-votos (link to ex-voto category) have provide believers with tangible symbols of their (Catholic) faith. This was, and in many places continues to be, the case especially in rural areas where religion is often of a homemade variety incorporating pre-Hispanic belief systems and aesthetics.

 

The MARIPOSA collection features many outstanding examples of Latin American sacred art from several different countries and cultures. (please view images)