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.