THE RETABLOS

 

 

Retablos are sophisticated folk art in the form of portable boxes filled with brightly colored figurines arranged into intricate narrative scenes. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, Retablos were carried through the mountains by Spanish priests as portable religious shrines for Catholic saints. Later, they were adapted by indigenous people to include their own deities and mythologies. 

Nicario's work was selected by the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. for its "Seeds of Change" Exhibit and was subsequently purchased by the Smithsonian for its permanent collection. Nicario has taught and lectured at the University of Miami, the University of California, San Diego, Whittier College and American University. Jimenez's work is included in numerous prestigious public, corporate, and private collections. The artist now lives in Naples, Florida.