Catrina (No, Not The Hurricane)

~ San Antonio

11/28/2012

Holy Cow! - A Bride and groom showing how it really
 is in the marital relationship. The engaging art
representing the Calavera Catrina style.

In a burst of color that knocks one dead, the unusual  “skeleton art” at Taide’s Imports, is, in my opinion, a welcome addition to the art scene in the Monte Vista area. 

I found this gallery, located at the corner of San Pedro and W. Mulberry just north of San Antonio College, as I was shooting some of the “urban street art” along the San Pedro corridor.

Although it bills itself as Mexican Art and Decor, my thoughts are that Taide’s is actually more of a quirky little art gallery sitting on the dividing line between high culture and working class, with its tasteful presentation of  interesting pieces, including sculpture, metalwork, and glass works, that are out of the mainstream.

Colorful glass-art bowls form a splash of color on
one of the gallery display walls

I was at first attracted to the colorful display of glass impression-art bowls covering a large part of one of the walls, and then found, back in the corner of the store a  great collection of  what is known as Catrina Art -  after  La Calavera Catrina («The Elegant Skull») a 1910 zinc etching by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada.

Gallery staff at Taide's Imports

This image and its reinterpretation, has since become a staple of Mexican imagery, and often is incorporated into artistic manifestations of the Day of the Dead in November, such as altars and calavera costumes, and forms the iconic basis of the Calavara/Catrina art itself.  

Knowing nothing about this style, I asked gallery staff, Jorge and Nettie, about the meaning of the art and was told that this imagery means many things to many people, one of which is that it causes one to consider that  death is the great equalizer.

My Take -  If you want to get something unique for your home or office then I think this is on place that should be on your list.


Taide's Imports
2322 San Pedro
Corner San Pedro and Mulberry just north of SAC