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Recycled Materials in Spanish Colonial Art

Bulto and Retablo New Mexico Artist, Carlos J. Otero.

  Las Cruces, NM - On this edition of PUENTES, bridges to the community, host Emily Guerra meets with Spanish Colonial Artist, Carlos J. Otero from Albuquerque. He is a member of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society of Santa Fe and exhibits his retablos and bultos at the Spanish Market.

Spanish colonial art began in 1598 as a type of folk-art with a mix of Spanish and indigenous styles. The early Spanish explorers of the Southwest were some of the first Spanish colonial artists. For over 300 years some of the handcrafts that were created in New Mexico out of necessity have continued, such as furniture, textiles, santero art, pottery, animal hide paintings, straw applique, tinwork and more. Materials for art were scarce during the 16th century, so recycling became a custom of the poor frontier territory of New Mexico. Otero says artists have used recycled materials to create some of their art.

Categories of Spanish Colonial Art and artists have grown since the Spanish Colonial Arts Society began 90 years ago in Santa Fe, inspiring new artists. For more information and to participate visit their website www.spanishcolonial.org.