Walking along the sidewalks of Oaxaca…
I get the feeling I’m being watched… by Oaxaca’s revolutionary street art.
Posts Tagged ‘Mexico’
Walls are watching
Posted in Creativity, Culture, Travel & Tourism, tagged graffiti, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, popular travel destinations, stencils, street art, wall art on June 13, 2017| 4 Comments »
Lessons from 80 years ago
Posted in History, Immigration, Politics, tagged Children of Morelia, Mexico, Morelia, refugees, Spanish Civil War, video on June 11, 2017| Leave a Comment »
How many of us knew that eighty years ago, in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, children of Spanish Republicans, facing the danger posed by the fascist government of Francisco Franco, were provided refuge in Mexico by President Lázaro Cárdenas? 463 children sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Veracruz on June 10, 1937. After a being warmly welcomed, these child refugees were put on a train to Morelia. Most never returned to Spain. In the brief interview below, one of the still-living refugees, 87 year-old Amparo Rius Munoz, offers lessons for today.
http://players.brightcove.net/665003303001/4k5gFJHRe_default/index.html?videoId=5467422137001
The documentary, The Children of Morelia – Crossroads and Perspectives will be shown at the Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (Morelia International Film Festival), October 2017.
Rainy lushness of Teotitlán
Posted in Flora, Geography, Travel & Tourism, Weather, tagged El Picacho, goats, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, rainy season, rivers, Teotitlán del Valle on June 8, 2017| 6 Comments »
Late afternoon and middle of the night thunder, lightning, gusting winds, torrential downpours, and gentle showers — the rainy season has arrived and appears to be hanging around. This is good news, as there has been an Historical Drought in Oaxaca. What a difference a month makes…
Goats scrounging for food in Teotitlán del Valle – May 3, 2017
Streams have begun running in Teotitlán – June 6, 2017
Cerro Picacho and surrounding mountains have already turned green – June 6, 2017
Splashes of green now dot the rocky landscape at La Cuevita in Teotitlán – June 6, 2017
A green Teotitlán del Valle with a dam that is filling is a beautiful sight
This is good news, as this is an agricultural village and state.
Flora & fauna
Posted in Animals, Casita Colibrí, Flora, Gardens, tagged birds, cactus, flowers, gardens, hibiscus, lizards, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos on June 4, 2017| 4 Comments »
… from my rooftop garden in the city.
Opuntia – April 2017
Lizard on the terraza – June 2017
A feathered friend watching from a distance – June 2017
Hibiscus flower this morning – June 2017
Emerald city
Posted in History, Science & Nature, Travel & Tourism, Weather, tagged cantera, Emerald City, green stone, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, rain, rainy season, tropical storm, Tropical Storm Beatriz, Verde Antequera on June 1, 2017| 2 Comments »
Rain has been falling in the city for over 24 hours, as Tropical Storm Beatriz slowly moves up Oaxaca’s coast and up and over Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. According to the National Hurricane Center, “over a foot of rain is possible in Mexico’s Oaxaca state through Friday with isolated amounts up to 20 inches possible.”
At various times in her past, because of the native green stone used to construct her buildings and pave her sidewalks, Oaxaca has been known as la Verde Antequera — the Emerald City.
Walking through the streets on a rainy day, it’s easy to see where she got her nickname.
While Beatriz may be causing headaches on the coast, the campesinos (and all who depend on them) in the Valle de Oaxaca, are rejoicing.
Bus doesn’t stop here
Posted in Buildings, Creativity, Signs, Transportation, Travel & Tourism, tagged Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, popular travel destinations, poster art, posters, street art, street signs on May 27, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Sorry folks, the bus doesn’t stop here. Why? You ask. Doesn’t red mean “stop”? Not here. Not now. There is DANGER; this edifice is in a bad state!
And, make sure to produce, disseminate, and teach about the dangers of buildings in hazardous states of disrepair. As Mother Nature has reminded us twice within the past week, this is earthquake country.
Graduation Day in Oaxaca
Posted in Celebrations, Education, Travel & Tourism, tagged caps and gowns, graduation, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, students, Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán on May 25, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Wild weather
Posted in Casita Colibrí, Gardens, Science & Nature, Weather, tagged garden, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, rain storms, storm damage, weather on May 23, 2017| 7 Comments »
A word to the wise, be careful what you wish for…
After almost two weeks of 90º+(F) temperatures, late this afternoon lightening flashed, thunder rumbled, gusty winds replaced still humid air, and on Tlaloc’s command, torrential rain and hail pounded Oaxaca city. Water began coming in closed doors and windows, plants and chairs overturned on the terrace, an empty concrete bag flew up and over a ten foot fence and across the forty-five feet of my terrace landing at my doorstep, and power went out for almost two hours.
This evening, at Casita Colibrí, plants have been righted, chairs have been retrieved and stacked, and flooded floors have been mopped. However, in other parts of the city, there are reports of trees and power lines down, massive flooding, and a roof collapsed at Central de Abastos. Initial news reports (en español):
Wistful
Posted in Casita Colibrí, Flora, Gardens, tagged flower of the day, flowers, garden, Mexico, Night Blooming Cereus, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, plants on May 21, 2017| 4 Comments »
This morning there were three… And, when I came out to greet my night blooming cereus, they looked wistful.
Remembering last night’s splendor? Or, reflecting on how fleeting their glory? Me? I’m appreciating their presence in my present.
In honor of…
Posted in Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Exhibitions, Travel & Tourism, tagged Carolyn Kallenborn, exhibits, International Museum Day, Irmgard Weitlaner Johnson, Mexico, Museo Textil de Oaxaca, museums, Oaxaca, Ornilla Ridone, photographs, photos, popular travel destinations, Textile Museum of Oaxaca, textiles, Trine Ellitsgaard on May 17, 2017| 4 Comments »
Tomorrow, May 18, museums worldwide will be celebrating International Museum Day with special events around this year’s theme, “Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums.” According to the IMD website, The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness of the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”
While Oaxaca has many wonderful museums, textile lover that I am, I would like to honor the day by looking back at several exhibitions I had the pleasure of viewing at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca — and a current one, too!
“Tormentos y suenos” (Storms and dreams) by Carolyn Kallenborn – August 3, 2012
Exhibitions ranged from works by individual textile artists to themed shows displaying textiles from the museum’s permanent collection and those on loan.
“Transcomunalidad. interventions and collaborations with stilt communities and craftsmen” exhibition by Laura Anderson Barbata – March 1, 2013
Item labels and detailed descriptive booklets have been extremely helpful and, in the case of collections by individual collectors, their field notes were fascinating.
“Irmgard Weitlaner Johnson: a life dedicated to textiles” – Costal (bag) was acquired by Irmgard in 1949, is said to be one of the most well preserved examples from the Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo and, given the design, is thought to have been a wedding gift. – Nov. 21, 2014
The museum not only collects, preserves, and exhibits, it also holds workshops, lectures, expo-ventas (exposition and sales), and has provided a platform for issues of importance to textile artists, especially from the indigenous communities of the state of Oaxaca.
El Delirio del color Oaxaca en los años 1960″ – Huipil mazatecas from the Tuxtepec district – Apr. 19, 2015
Exhibition openings often have included receptions, with an occasional performance art presentation thrown in.
“Hilo Rojo 3047” an autobiographical installation by Ornilla Ridone – May 21, 2016
Museums can be a place to help shape community identity and bring different community groups together, a catalyst for regeneration through the creation of new venues and civic spaces, and a resource for developing the skills and confidence of members of those communities. — Museums Association
“Tekstil” current exhibition by textile artist Trine Ellitsgaard – Piece titled “Serpiente y abanicos” (Serpent and fans) – May 6, 2017
In observance of this year’s International Museum Day, the Museo Textil de Oaxaca invites textile artists and designers, academics, students, and the general public to participate in a conversation exploring the questions, “What is plagiarism? What is a copy? What is collaborating? Is ‘to collaborate’ synonymous with ‘to employ’? What has been the role of the copy in the development of craft goods?” May 18, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Claustro of the Centro Cultural San Pablo — next door to the Textile Museum.
Waiting your turn
Posted in Animals, Casita Colibrí, Gardens, tagged birds, chain link fence, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos on May 14, 2017| 2 Comments »
I have to chuckle every morning when I turn on the fountain — within seconds the birds begin arriving. Apparently, there is a pecking order for bathing. The chain link fence provides an open-air waiting room — a perfect perch for keeping an eye on the bathers below.
Some, like this little guy, are more patient than others.
Sign painting, Oaxaca style
Posted in Creativity, Culture, Signs, Travel & Tourism, tagged Calle Matamoros, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, popular travel destinations, shops, sign painters, signs, store displays on May 12, 2017| 3 Comments »
Thinking of all the sign painters I used to know back in the day, up in el norte.
At a time ruled by the industry and advanced technologies of all kinds, it’s easy to forget that once many things were done by hand. One of these things would be sign painting…. However, like many crafts and trades, hand-made sign painting was taken over by computers and printers, which promised cheaper and quicker solutions to its curious customers hungry for the wonders of the new era. As a result, these creatives lost their jobs, like many of their fellow draughtsmen and handymen. — The Nostalgia of the Sign Painting
But, here in Oaxaca…
We’ve got the ladder, the brush, and the artist.
The hand-painted artistry continues and leads to…
The creation of a beautiful and unique sign on Av. José María Morelos in Col. Centro.
¡Vive los artesanos!
Update: The sign painter (rotulista), Arturo, can be reached at: 951-201-3527
Pause that refreshes
Posted in Food, Markets, Travel & Tourism, tagged aguas, Beverages, Casilda Aguas Regionales, fruit drinks, markets, Mercado Benito Juárez, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, popular travel destinations on May 10, 2017| 3 Comments »
Nothing like stopping in Mercado Benito Juárez at Casilda Aguas Regionales midway through a morning filled with errands. The posted list of fruit drinks is mind boggling: Horchata, horchata con tuna, guanabana, melón, limón, sandía, jamaica, limón on chía, tamarindo, piña guayaba, kiwi, coco, crema de coco, durazno, ciruela, lichie, mandarina, mango, and maracuya.
Translated: Rice-based drink, rice-based drink with prickly pear cactus fruit, soursop, cantaloupe, lime, watermelon, hibiscus, lime with chia, tamarind, pineapple, guava, kiwi, coconut, coconut cream, peach, plum, lychee, mandarin orange, mango, and passion fruit.
What to choose? While I love horchata con tuna, I chose the unlisted limón con hoja santa (2nd from left in top photo) reeled off by the waitress. It was a lime with “sacred leaf” kind of day. Ahhh… the pause that refreshes!
Cats
Posted in Creativity, Culture, Travel & Tourism, tagged graffiti, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, popular travel destinations, stencil art, street art, urban art, wall art on May 7, 2017| 7 Comments »
“What’s your name,” Coraline asked the cat. “Look, I’m Coraline. Okay?”
“Cats don’t have names,” it said.
“No?” said Coraline.
“No,” said the cat. “Now you people have names. That’s because you don’t know who you are. We know who we are, so we don’t need names.” — Neil Gaiman, Coraline
The problem with cats is that they get the exact same look on their face whether they see a moth or an axe-murderer. — Paula Poundstone
“Curiosity killed the cat,” Fesgao remarked, his dark eyes unreadable.
Aly rolled her eyes. Why did everyone say that to her? “People always forget the rest of the saying,” she complained. “‘And satisfaction brought it back.” — Tamora Pierce, Trickster’s Choice
Aly rolled her eyes. Why did everyone say that to her? “People always forget the rest of the saying,” she complained. “‘And satisfaction brought it back.” — Tamora Pierce, Trickster’s Choice
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Riding to the rescue?
Posted in Creativity, Culture, Travel & Tourism, tagged graffiti, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, political commentary, popular travel destinations, stencils, street art, wall art on May 29, 2017| 2 Comments »
We live in perilous times…
The signs are everywhere…
This guy can’t be the only one riding to the rescue.
We all must do our part.
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