Alebrije sculpture

Joel Garcia (1955–2023) was a Mexican papier-mâché artist trained by the renowned cartenero Pedro Linares. Garcia incorporated traditional Mexican icons and themes, such as skeletons and alebrijes, into his work. Many of his pieces took between eight to fifteen days to complete, with Garcia working ten to twelve hours per day. Despite having limited formal education, he became a highly respected master of his craft. During a course he taught in the United States, an audience member asked about his academic background, and Garcia expressed regret that he had only completed up to the sixth grade due to difficulties with reading and writing. However, his passion and dedication to his art opened doors he had never imagined. His expertise led him to teach workshops at the University of Pasadena in California and the University of Liberal Arts in Boston, as well as present his work in galleries and schools across California, Arizona, New Mexico, Philadelphia, and New York. In recognition of his talent, the Museo de Arte Popular (MAP) in Mexico City honored him by selecting him to contribute to the Train of History during the Bicentennial Independence celebration of Mexico, where each wagon was assigned to a master artisan representing different disciplines of Mexican craftsmanship.

Cartonería, or Mexican papier-mâché, is an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage, playing a significant role in annual festivals and celebrations. The origins of the technique remain uncertain, though it is believed to have originated in China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC–AD 220) before spreading to Europe and later to Mexico, possibly introduced by Catholic priests. Traditionally, artisans used scrap paper and a simple flour-and-water paste to craft their intricate figures. Cartonería pieces are formed either by layering paper over removable molds—such as pottery or plaster—or by constructing permanent structures using cane or wire frames. One of the most famous forms of cartonería is the alebrije, credited to master cartenero Pedro Linares. According to legend, Linares, suffering from a severe illness, hallucinated fantastical creatures that cried out "alebrije, alebrije!" Inspired by these visions, he transformed the traditional Judas figures into the vibrant, surreal creatures now synonymous with Mexican folk art. Over time, alebrijes evolved into their own artistic genre, distinct from their origins in religious effigies.