Clay, Vibrance, and Fantasy: Reflecting on Josefina Aguilar
A vibrant picturesque scene of serenity encapsulates Josefina Aguilar’s artwork, Untitled, displayed in A Box of One’s Own. The exterior of the box is wrapped in a scenic view that combines both the beauty of the ocean and the night. Inside of the box are four clay figurines: a man that holds a bird, a child that holds a toy, and a woman that holds a child. In front of the box, there is a clay mermaid couple who embrace each other while the female mermaid plays guitar. Their heads pressed together to hold up a red clay heart.
Clay, vibrance, and fantasy are all elements of Josefina Aguilar’s art. Born and raised in Ocotlán de Morales, Oaxaca, Josefina Aguilar is a Mexican artist who specializes in clay art. She was mentored by her mother Doña Isaura Alcantrara Diaz, who was an innovative clay artist in her own right; transforming utilitarian ceramics to vibrant figurines of women participating in daily activities. Unfortunately overshadowed by her husband, Jose Aguilar, who was key in marketing her artwork and claimed it as his own. Josefina Aguilar and her sisters, Irene, Concepcion. Guillermina Aguilar, actively advocated for their mother to be artistically recognized. While their mother passed before officially recognized, the elements of her clay making has continued throughout Josefina Aguilar’s work.
Aguilar’s clay muñecas carry her mother’s legacy, but she expands on it by adding her own elements of fantasy and romance: through an addition of couples or mermaids. She and her husband, Jose, own the land where she develops the clay. Digging down 10-12 feet, they fire the kiln within their own home and even recruit other members of the family to aid in the gathering and firing of the clay.
Her muñecas are internationally recognized with their colorful nature, trademark long noses, and ability to form scenes. In her interview for the exhibition, Women Beyond Borders, she shares her excitement to be a part of a traveling exhibition. “The little box went to many places,” she said, “I hope it continues to go to more places.” She beams as she discusses that in spite of the small 2.5 inch x 3.5 inch box dimension “the biggest heart could come out of the box.”
Sources
Oaxacan ceramics : traditional folk art by Oaxacan women
Image: AGUILAR, Josefina and b. Mexico, 1945, “AGUILAR, Josefina,” UCSB ADA Museum Omeka, accessed May 4, 2024, http://art-collections.museum.ucsb.edu/items/show/16946.