Paying Homage
A “retable” or “retablo” was originally a frame or shelf enclosing decorated panels or revered objects above and behind an altar. It has since come to also designate the painting or other image it encloses. In Mexico, it is common for families to have smaller versions of the larger pieces seen in churches in their homes. At the time I moved here in 2001, I could buy the undecorated, unpainted ornamental metal frames for retablos in a local artisan market and I started making retablos myself that paid homage to saints, Mexican legendary figures, artists, family members and friends. Over the years, my subjects have grown, as have the retablos. Here are a few of the hundreds I’ve created over the past 16 years. Recently, as the metal frames get harder to find, I have started using simpler boxes which I have constructed for me.
Jugetes (Toys)
“We’ll Always Have Paris”
Santa Cecilia (Patron Saint of Poets and Musicians)
Self Portrait
Hidden Kiss
Sunrise Madonna
The Circus
Sunday Afternoon Sala
Ganesha
Creativity
Homage to Picasso
Rainy Season
H
Macho
Our Lady of Notions
The prompt today was homage.
