Marco & Leticia Hernandez: Fine Little Dodo Alebrije
Marco & Leticia Hernandez: Fine Little Dodo Alebrije
This wonderful dodo by Marco and Leticia Hernandez has a marvelous sense of character, with its rounded body, long upright neck, sturdy feet, and oversized golden beak held open as if it has just called out. The palette is especially beautiful, built around coral pinks, deep reds, touches of green, turquoise, and gold, all balanced so carefully that the piece feels bright without becoming overwhelming.
The level of precision achieved in the painting is remarkable given that it is such a small carving. Fine grecas, together with triangular bands, dots, spirals, and stepped geometric patterns, extend from the head down the neck and along the body. The wings appear almost as if they are separate textile panels, containing dense red and burgundy designs. The small curled tail gives a final touch of green and orange.
I particularly enjoy the way the artists have turned this rare bird into an elegant and expressive form; since the dodo is now extinct, it has a rather mythical atmosphere, and Marco and Leticia give it life through the use of colour, humour, and excellent craftsmanship. This small Oaxacan wood carving is large enough to hold in your hand and is very detailed from beak to tail.
