Mexico Folk Art Theme Signed Black and White Etching, "The Cactus Tequila Lotto"

Revered in Mexico for its fruit and presumed healing qualities, the nopal (cactus) is featured in card 27 of Marina Pallares' exclusive interpretation of Mexico's lotería. It is a unique version of the classic bingo game featuring traditional images. The loteria made its appearance in the second half of the 18th century, and it is still a favorite at schools, fairs, carnivals and festivals. "I grew up in Jalisco, known for the production of tequila from agave plants, and as a child I used to play lotería all the time. These two facts inspired me to create the 'Tequila Lotto' series," confides Pallares, who credits the influence of Leopoldo Méndez and José Guadalupe Posada in her work. She masters aquafortis and aquatint etching techniques to create this eloquent composition.

Titled "El nopal" in Spanish