The Art of Cartonero December 12, 2009

In collaboration with the Crucible, the Exploratorium presents the Art of Cartonería with Ruben Guzman on Saturday, December 12 noon-4pm. Cartonería is a papier maché technique for making three-dimensional sculptures that has evolved into a traditional and highly-prized Mexican art. This event is included in the price of admission to the Exploratorium.

Introduced by the Spanish as a way to make objects for churches, the sculptures may take the form of mythological beasts, demons, angels, dragons, or even political figures. Artists use many different kinds of paper to create their sculptures, which are then brightly and intricately painted. Guzman says he prefers to “alter the fate of materials and items typically discarded,” so his supply cabinet is often filled with castaway materials from garbage cans and recycling bins.

Formerly a graphic artist in Mexico City, Guzman says he hung up his tie to “put on the noble apron of the artisan.” He began by studying with the Linares family—world-renowned cartoneros—and has been exhibiting and teaching his art throughout California for ten years, including at the Crucible in Oakland. Guzman has been the recipient of grants from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, the Creative Work Fund, and the City of Oakland Public Art Program.

This presentation is supported in part through an experimental collaboration between the Exploratorium and the Crucible, a non-profit educational facility that fosters a collaboration of arts, industry, and community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, the Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials, and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public.