Gabriela Jiménez Marván
Viroqua, Wisconsin
Based in Viroqua, Wisconsin, my passion is to create timeless art that surpass trends and create a feeling that brings the community together.
I have been creating sculptures, murals, and illustrations for over ten years.
Experiencing the sensation of creating sculptures through a traditional technique: cartonería (coming to Mexico from Spain in the 16th Century), I use structures of wire, reed frame, or clay molds followed by layers of paper. Cartonería’s texture is smoother and stronger than that of most papier-mâché. Cartonería comes from the word cartón, which means cardboard or heavy paper. One of the foremost celebrations nowadays in Mexico is Day of the Dead, the celebration where the dead are honored and remembered. Artists of paper (cartoneros) create Catrinas (dressed skeleton ladies), skulls, and skeletons to decorate streets, museums, or cultural places from October 31 to November 2.
Sculpture for Kids and Parents Workshop – Alebrijes
Above and Beyond Children’s Museum- Sheboygan, WI
Join us as artist and co-curator of our new Culture Exchange Exhibit / Intercambio Cultural Comunitario Gabriela Marván leads us in a two-day traditional alebrijes building workshop. We will explore the art of traditional Mexican cartonería and the origins of the alebrijes sculptures.
This two-day workshop is on Aug 23 and 24 from 10-11am. Registration is limited.
Best for children 5-12 years old with a caregiver!
My work embrace community engagement, working on projects that promote learning and positive impact. My relocation to the USA in 2019 precipitated the founding of the Mexican Folk Art Collective alongside Ryan (my husband) during the pandemic in 2020. Through this initiative, we have orchestrated numerous murals across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Mexico, integrating our diverse backgrounds into a cohesive artistic narrative. I enjoy leading cultural dialogues and collaborations with institutions such as local schools and libraries and the Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee. The Mexican Folk Art Collective showcases a commitment to cultural exchange and community enrichment.
“I moved to Viroqua in 2019, bringing Mexico with me through my art and now through my artist friends’ art. I love the idea of preserving and sharing part of my culture, working with tradition while creating my own style in colorful sculptures of recycled paper that becomes a Catrina, a skull, or a Judas (decorated devil). Behind each of these sculptures there is a story and meaning of motion, a connection with nature, in the tradition of colorful Mexican folk art. I want to touch your heart through my art, making you feel like we are connected.” – Gabriela Marván
Do you want to learn more about my work?
Please send us an email.