Archival print on aluminum, 16” x 13.5”, READY TO HANG!

$200 (FREE shipping)

Originally a form of Spanish art, specific to the architecture of Catholic churches, retablos (literally translating to “behind the altar”), became a populist folk art tradition in Mexico in the 1870s. It was during this time that the retablo tradition began to cross socioeconomic lines and became a means of domestic adornment for populist households. Retablo artists began to create custom images depicting elements from everyday life and personal stories of divine intervention. The populist demand for these artworks was further helped along by the changing conventions of production which began to include brightly colored paints on small sheets of tin or tile.

Inspired by the same small devotional paintings that influenced artists like Frida Kahlo, I have created a new print edition on aluminum. The piece titled, “The End is Near: Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear…”, is a reproduction of a color pencil drawing depicting the handwashing process. The title is in reference to one of the many behaviors we have adopted by counting out the recommended 20-second scrubbing cycle suggested by the CDC. I created this drawing as a pseudo-portrait of my partner and myself, as a way of reflecting on how everyday life has changed. But also, as a way to reflect on how fortunate we are to have a home, running water, and most importantly, each other.