Rubén Guzmán
Mexican cartonería
A native of Mexico City, Rubén Guzmán received his training in cartonería (paper sculpture) in the early 1990’s from members of the Linares family, famous for their colorful, fantastic papier mâché sculptures. He also obtained a degree in graphic design from the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana in Mexico City. He has brought his skill, artistry, and enthusiasm to the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, where he is active as an artist and as a volunteer in community activities, especially those aimed at creating an awareness and pride of Latino identity. Rubén teaches art classes throughout the Bay Area and his sculptures and installations have been exhibited at many different local venues and as far away as Germany.
Mexican cartonería is the creation of sculpture from paper or cardboard in a manner similar to papier mâché. This popular Mexican art form combines Spanish art techniques with indigenous motifs and themes and is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and legends from Mexico. Opportunities to make paper sculptures abound in Mexico and here in the United States, as well. Cartonería figures are frequently incorporated into ofrendas, or altars, for Day of the Dead ceremonies. The design and construction techniques are also used to make cartonería for other traditional holidays and celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter, and Mexican Independence Day, in the Latino communities of California.
As a participant in ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program in 2005, Rubén worked with a web design consultant to develop a website to publicize his artwork, learn new painting techniques from an artistic mentor, study digital photography with a photographer so that he can photograph his work and create a higher quality portfolio, and consult an art curator who will help him improve the presentation of his portfolio. Collectively, this varied assistance helped Rubén to better promote his art work and the traditional art form of cartonería.
In 2001, Rubén was a master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program with apprentice Isela Perez.
Select Exhibits
Que Vista tan Calaca! (What a Wonderful Life!), Tsao Gallery Davis Art Center, Davis, California, October-November 2004
Fruitvale Day of the Dead Festival, Oakland, California, October 2004
Raices (Roots), Oakland International Airport, Oakland, California, 2003
Pasajes y Encuentros, Oakland Museum, Oakland, California, 2001
Accomplishments
Fund for Folk Culture’s Artist Support Program Grant, Creative Opportunities for Traditional Artists in California, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2005
ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program, 2005
City of Oakland’s Cultural Funding Program Grant, To produce public art, 2004
City of Oakland’s Cultural Funding Program Grant, To produce public art, 2002
Creative Work Fund Grant, To teach and produce traditional art, 2001
ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program, Master Artist, 2001
Teaching Experience
Artist-in-Residence, The Crucible, Oakland, California, 2004-2005
Artist-in-Residence, Studio One, Oakland, California, 2003-2005
Artist-in-Residence, Youth in Arts, San Rafael, California, 2002-2005
Artist-in-Residence, Opera Piccola, Oakland, California, 2001-2005
Artist-in-Residence, ASUC Studio UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 1997-2002
Professional Services
Mentorships
Creates commissioned art work
Demonstrations
Lectures
Educational presentations to schools or community organizations
Exhibitions
Offers works for sale
Plans arts events
Cultural consultancies
Gallery
