Eduardo Jimenez comes from the most important family in Oaxacan woodcarving. His grandfather, Don Manuel Jiménez Ramírez, is the man credited with originating the copal wood alebrije in San Antonio Arrazola, a tradition that went on to define the folk art of an entire region.Nelson Rockefeller collected his work. Eduardo carries that legacy into a new generation with a style that is entirely his own.
This piglet sits back on its haunches, chest out, head up, ears wide open. The posture is alert and a little indignant, as if it just heard something it wasn't supposed to. Eduardo has carved the form with wonderful roundness, every surface smooth and full.
The painting is a delight. Deep raspberry pink covers everything, overlaid with thousands of small white oval drops that give the body a texture like rain on still water. The big amber ears are lined along their edges with fine teal dashes. The eyes are amber gold with dark outlines that give the face real expression. The snub nose is soft pink with two teal nostrils. Dark chocolate hooves. A curly ixtle tail that is frankly perfect.
Pigs were introduced to Oaxaca with the Spanish, but in Eduardo's hands, they have become something entirely their own. Joyful, a little cheeky, and very much alive.
