Spring 2025
Alebrijes & Nahuales at Yerba Buena Gardens
Following a triumphant debut in France in 2019, we are thrilled to introduce Alebrijes and Nahuales to the United States. Inspired by the captivating world of Mexican magical realism, this extraordinary exhibition showcases seven monumental original works from Mexico, each towering 20 feet tall and displayed within Yerba Buena Gardens. The exhibition pays tribute to the exceptional craftsmanship of Mexican artisans and celebrates Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales is a nationwide tour, engaging thousands in public spaces across the United States. In partnership with local communities and institutions, the exhibition will foster arts accessibility, highlight local diversity, and promote cultural exchange.
U.S. Tour Locations
Background
In 2019, Mexico was the centerpiece of an eight-month-long cultural festival titled ELDORADO, presented in Lille, France, and surrounding areas (lille3000.com). Events included exhibitions, music, gastronomy, wrestling, cinema, literature, workshops, and an inauguration parade inspired by Mexico City’s Mega Procession for the Day of the Dead. The festival featured 92 exhibitions and over 1,500 activities, drawing approximately 3,000,000 attendees and garnering extensive press coverage.
The Impact
Of Scale
WHY SIZE MATTERS
One of the most successful and visible exhibitions was LES ALEBRIJES SUR LA RAMBLA, where ten alebrijes, each standing 22 feet high, were installed along Lille’s main avenue, Rue Faidherbe. These sculptures, designed and created by Mexican artists and artisans, remained on display for eight months, captivating thousands of visitors.
After this success, the exhibition moved to Parc de la Villette in Paris for six months. While many European cities expressed interest in hosting the exhibit, further expansion was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technical Aspects
A new set of sculptures is being constructed specifically for this tour. The 20-foot nahuales are crafted from fiberglass with an internal metallic armature, designed for ease of transport and installation.
Unlike the French exhibition, which utilized existing concrete bases, this tour provides custom structural bases for each piece. Our architects will determine the weight requirements to ensure stability. Each sculpture weighs approximately 1,200 pounds, with bases weighing nearly 1,000 pounds. Additional stabilization will be achieved through four standardized water-ballast containers, each holding 1,000 liters, to be filled on-site for maximum security. The sculptures, designed for long-term public display, are weather-resistant and illuminated by a vibrant, multicolored LED lighting system, making the exhibition particularly striking at night.
The Origins of Fantastic Animals from Oaxaca
A fusion of Oaxaca’s native woodcarving traditions (nahuales or tallas de madera) and the influence of Mexico City artist Pedro Linares, known for his alebrijes, this art form has deep cultural roots.
Emerging in the 1960s, Oaxaca’s woodcarving tradition thrives in the state’s rugged central valleys. Isolated communities have preserved and passed down their artistic skills for generations. Over 200 families in the region carve nahuales from copal wood, a native tree. These whimsical, vividly painted sculptures have become synonymous with Oaxacan magical realism.
About Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is a state steeped in tradition, natural beauty, and rich culture. Bordered by Puebla, Veracruz, Chiapas, and Guerrero, Oaxaca’s capital, Oaxaca de Juárez, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its architecture and traditions.
Highlights include:
- Templo de Santo Domingo – An awe-inspiring baroque church and former monastery.
- Hierve el Agua – Natural pools and petrified waterfalls with breathtaking views.
- Monte Albán and Mitla – Archaeological sites showcasing Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations.
- Coastal Destinations – Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and Zipolite offer world-class surfing and relaxation.
- Oaxacan Cuisine – Internationally celebrated for mole negro, tasajo, quesillo, tlayudas, and mezcal.
Featured Artists
Each sculpture is a unique, enlarged reproduction of original works by celebrated Oaxacan artisans. QR codes link visitors to dedicated web pages featuring artist biographies, interviews, and insights into their creative processes.
Brought to you by the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy with support from:
This groundbreaking exhibition celebrates the intersection of tradition and innovation, bringing Mexico’s vibrant artistic heritage to audiences across the United States. Find them in the Gardens:
Find them in the Gardens:
