Oaxaca (Wa-ha-ka) Animal Figures
Alebrije: Creatures in the Dream World
The word alebrije—pronounced ah-leh-bree-heh—refers to imaginary creatures that possess elements from different animals. They originated from the vivid dreams of Mexican artist Pedro Linares.
Building Beautiful Monsters in Mexico
Culture and Exhibit
Originate from the region of Oaxaca Mexico
Traditionally the Zapotec people of Oaxaca Mexico carved animal figures with bright, colorful, patterns from the native Copal wood.
In the market
The Zapotec people were once farmers with an interest in the Alejibres folk art to preserve their cultural heritage. Today, however, the popularity of the Alejibres has enabled this home-craft to sustain their livelihood. The people are able to celebrate their artistic heritage AND profit from their knowledge of the craft.
Same animal, different interpretations…..
Based in Reality, Fantasy and Legacy
Based in Reality, Fantasy and Legacy
Animals represent symbolic meaning in many culture
Chinese Twelve Zodiac
Essential questions
- Why are people making Oaxaca (Wa-ha-ka) Animal Figures?
- How has this animal been created to have a symbolic positive power to inspire positive action?
- What are the personal stories attached to the animals? What is your personal wishes and dreams?
- What is the potential ability behind the animal?
- How do you get inspired by creating this animal? What are your personal favorite animals?
How do your choices in life and engagement with the world evolve as you grow in your knowledge and interaction with the visual arts?
- What is the strength of the animal?
- Where is this animal's living habitat?
- What is important to archive the look?
Assignment one-Planning
Make a Slide for the following requirements:
1. What is the big idea of creating this special animal ? Please answer the essential questions.
2. Draw one animal on a piece of white paper from 3 views ( top, front, and side) take pictures for making the slides
Rubric of designing the animal( worksheet)
1. Use a minimum of three animals.
2. Animals must come from 3 out of 4 elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water.
Example: Earth: lion
Wind: bird
Fire: tongue of a dragon
Water: dolphin
3. Use white drawing paper for a sketch: Begin with a pencil, and then use colored pencils. (It’s okay if you don’t finish coloring, but there should be a start of color!)
4. On your sketch, create a pattern centered around a natural object. this could be a single element/symbol like the sun or a repeating pattern of many suns to represent the special strength of the animal.
5. The other areas need patterns /details to fully embellish the surface of the entire animal. (a repeated shape or mark) on the body of your new hybrid animal (stripes, polka dots, zig-zags, etc.)
List animals used
Draw your hybrid animal
Add patterns
Take up a picture plane (full page of your sketchbook )Craftsmanship and effort will be coloring markes
Continuing to build up your slide. Take pictures for each stage.
1. Once planned, and construct with paper mache to form the animal.
2. Begin by drawing your patterns and natural objects(s)with SHARPIE on the paper mache animal.
3. The last step is to paint! LIGHTEST colors FIRST. In other words, don't begin with black or dark blue, begin with white and yellow instead.
4. Finish animal with painting details. Take pictures from top, front , side , back views.
Assignment Three
Continuing to build the slide
1. Draw a picture12x18 to represent the animal's habitat/ environment and take a picture with your animal in it.
2. Reframe your big idea and personal story after you have finished both animal and habitat/ environment. Will it change from your original idea? Will the big idea continue to grow?
3.Art critique:
What are the fundamental differences between a “thoughtful” and a “thoughtless” critique?
What art techniques have your learned from this project based on elements of design?
What parts will you keep what part will you change? What is the challenge fro this project?
