Customer Reviews

Popular Arts of Mexico: 1850-1950

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McMenamin's lavishly illustrated tome covers many areas of Mexican folk art, including certain forms specifically created for the American tourist market in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. Folk ceramics, talavera, textiles, furniture, wood carvings, popote or straw mosaics, lacquerware, loteria drawings and carved coconut banks are among the folk art genres included in this well-researched book. As a collector of Mexican folk art, I know only too well how difficult it is to find books in English on this subject; McMenamin offers both the serious scholar and the casual collector precious insight into many folk art forms that have almost completely disappeared or are languishing because of the acculturation that inevitably occurs with foreign contact. Popular Arts of Mexico (1850-1950) is a good, basic overview of areas other than traditional dance masks and Los Dias de Los Muertos-related folk art.

I was first told about Donna McMenamin's book "Popular Arts of Mexico" by a fellow collector of Mexicana who thought I might like it. I remember telling him I had too many other interest to get involved in such a broad field of collecting. At that time I was collecting the most basic of Mexican chotzkie, anything with a "Sleeping Mexican" on it seemed appropriate. Then I saw Donna's book. One word...Wow. I was first just blown away with the pictures, such clear and concise images. And the detail! Sadly, I was hooked. I started taking her book with me on jaunts to the antique mall where I would pick up anything that looked remotely similar. Can you say expensive? Eventually, because of the book, I was able to spot things on my own, which was great, and much cheaper. :-) Donna's book has opened up a whole new world of collecting for me. I had never seen a carved wood panel, known as "bas relief." When I saw the chapter in her book I just knew I had to own one. They are incredible and have now become a focal point in our collection of TRUE Mexican Popular Arts. OK, I still like sleeping Mexican things, but I'm crazy! :-) It would be difficult for me to say a collectibles book changed my life, I guess it seems so shallow, however, Donna's book gave me a new awareness of things that are amazingly beautiful. I'd say that's a positive life change. Can you say sappy book review? :-)

Beautiful pictures, informed text! Collectors use this "Bible" as a reference to describe their Mexican folk art.

Most of the information is unavailable in other books.

Plus, the book is gorgeous.

Donna McMenamin's POPULAR ARTS OF MEXICO 1850-1950 provides a survey of a hundred years of Mexican art, offering nearly four hundred color photos illustrating over 675 selected objects. The history, techniques and artists who produced these figures are surveyed along with personal interviews and research on the histories of artistic families. Add room shots displaying collections and you have an outstanding, key survey for any collection strong in Mexican art.

This book is like visiting a museum for vintage Mexican pottery and collectibles. The images are fantastic, the information about the artists is extensive. It also shows the items in a few room settings for decorating ideas. Highly recommend!

I highly recommend Popular Arts of Mexico to new and seasoned collectors of Mexican art. This book is articulate and very informative. Wonderful photographs help to identify the artists and their respective crafts. It doesn't get any better.