colorful dresses

Colorful doors open on to the Chapel of Santa Ana, where expressive figures celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Alejandro Chavez portrays his characters in traditional Andean attire, as a sense of divine luminosity gracefully descends upon the scene. This form of Peruvian folk art is known as the retablo, especially characteristic of the Ayacucho region. The wooden frame is crafted by hand, while the artisan fills the shelves with tiny ceramic figures painted to joyous perfection.

Diverse scenes representative of the Ayacucho region of Peru comprise this handcrafted retablo, a unique style of Andean folk art. The altar-like composition is divided into several shelves, populated by colorful figures and expressions of native customs. In the upper space, Alejandro Chavez recreates the birth of Jesus, as men and women dressed in traditional Peruvian attire look on proudly. The frame is made from wood, while the artist uses ceramic figures and vibrant paints to evoke the vast tapestry of human emotions.

After Christ's death on the cross, the image itself came to be venerated as one of the most important Christian symbols. Alejandro Chávez shows an empty cross, graced with a portrait of Jesus. Ladders reach to beams where ofrendas (offerings) have been placed. Figures in traditional Andean dress kneel below the cross, their eyes lifted in devout prayer. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand; the retablo receives an antique finish.

In a rectangular composition, scenes celebrating childhood games decorate the frame of this wooden wall mirror from Peru. Alejandro Chavez designs this piece of wall decor, elaborating four sections with petite hand-painted ceramic figurines in the style of traditional retablos. From human pyramids to kites and soccer, this mirror captures the spirit of an Andean childhood.

This colorful box holds a Christmas surprise. Opening the doors reveals a nativity scene in three dimensions. Alejandro Chávez crafts a traditional retablo (diorama) in the regional style of Ayacucho. The Holy Family and the three kings are modeled of clay and painted by hand. A cow and donkey crowd close to the straw-filled manger.