These Mexican Dance Fabric Art quilts represent the meshing together of two major passions in my life,quilting and Mexican folk dance. Naturally I wanted to express my love of both of them. Can you just hear the Mariachi music now?
My First Mexican Art Quilt
Homage to a Dancer was my first art quilt. Furthermore,the 2 1/2″ inch blocks in the background come from the traditional quilt world. I added the braids and ribbon detail from my actual Jalisco region outfit. The ribbons on the skirt, shawl(rebozo) and garter mimic the actual costumes.
Above all,the Jalisco region of Mexico dominates the world’s view of Mexico with mariachi music, Mexican Hat Dance and charros(Mexican cowboys).
Michoacan Regional Dance
However, each of the other 29 states have varied and unique traditions and dances. Michoacan is the Mexican Land of the Lakes. So, I included a net with fish to highlight that part of the culture. Furthermore,Day of the Dead traditions are especially vibrant there.
This Mexican Dance Fabric Art quilt,El Danzante de los Viejitos(The Dance of the Little Old Men) represents a traditional dance from Michoacan, Mexico. Young men with old men masks and canes wobble on to the stage. A competition of lively steps takes place. The dancers knock down other dancers with the canes. At the end, the dancers wobble off stage again.
More Fabric Art from Mexico
This Mexican Dance Fabric Art,Market Day is a 3 D representation of a typical dance outfit. I brought the plastic shopping bag back from Mexico. I made the braid to use when I performed Mexican folk dancing. Overall, the 2 1/2″ (6cm) blocks of blue fabric background connects me to the traditional quilt world. Many 3D items adorn and add texture. Yet, the piece remains culturally accurate.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-inspired-fabric-collages/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-inspired-fabric-collages/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/07/art-solutions-came-to-me-in-a-dream/