The Earliest Reference to Posada and Vanegas Arroyo

One of the first people to publish a reference about Jose Guadalupe Posada and Antonio Vanegas Arroyo was Mexican painter, printmaker, writer and some say also a volcanologist, Gerardo Murillo (Jalisco, Guadalajara, b. 1875 - d. 1964). He signed his works as "Dr. Atl" (atl = the Nahuatl word for water). Pictured here is the front cover to the two volume set of Los Artes Populares de Mexico published in 1922; five years after the death of Antonio Vanegas Arroyo and nine years after the death of Posada. In the second volume Dr. Atl briefly reviews printmaking and aspects of literature such as songs, religious works and what might be called "tabloid-like" publications of Mexico. The publishing house of Vanegas Arroyo is discussed and grabador "Guadalupe Posadas" is very briefly mentioned; significantly, the printing house is described as one of the leading printing establishments of it kind and for the time. A variety of Posada's images are pictured in the volume, some of the engravings/etchings are signed by Posada and some unassigned images are also reproduced.

Posada and Political Satire

Jose Guadalupe Posada (at nineteen years of age) created this image in 1871 for a weekly publication that featured satirical commentary called El Jicote "The Wasp". Here he depicts a circus-like arena composed of politicians. Politicians are in the audience and also holding the balance beam for the "balancing act" of the politician who is performing. In this image the politician could be flip flopping on policies or jumping to another party, regardless it is tricky act. It could easily have been published today using the faces of contemporary political candidates.

Calavera KIM JONG-IL

Mexican - American (Chicano) cartoonist/artist Lalo Alcaraz created this cartoon of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-IL using calavera imagery that could easily have been rooted in the works of Jose Guadalupe Posada.

Occupy Wall Street, We Are the 99% and Posada

The images of Posada were used over and over during his lifetime and continue to be used today carrying just as much energy as they did over 100 years ago. Thanks to the modern day capabilities of Photoshop here we have the Calavera Don Quixote representing the 99% shaking up the 1% of the wealthy. Posada's images lend themselves well to the digital age. Imagine what he might he created today! The calavera Don Quixote was created by Posada circa. 1900. The image was modernized by Art Hazelwood and Jim Nikas, then printed by Marsha Shaw of the Mission Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco.

Fundraiser for Art and Revolutions November 19

Arsacio Vanegas Arroyo Honored in Mexico City: Part of the Legacy of Antonio Vanegas Arroyo and JG Posada

In this poster from left to right are Arsacio Vanegas Arroyo, Maria Antonia Medrano and young Fidel Castro Ruz.  The legacy of Antonio Vanegas Arroyo and JG Posada is demonstrated here by answering the question whether Arsacio would have been in a position to help the Cuban Revolution if his grandfather and Posada had not had such a successful collaboration? We will explore this concept in the documentary.

Website Launched for Jose Guadalupe Posada and Antonio Vanegas Arroyo Documnetary

http://www.artandrevolutions.com/ We have now launched our website! Please visit and watch the trailer for the film!