The Pedro Linares Alebrijes

The mural "Los Alebrijes de Pedro Linares" is located on the first floor of "El Mercado" and was created by the muralist Jorge Rodriguez in 2012. This work of art tells the story of the artisan Pedro Linares who was dedicated to cartonería or papier-mâché sculptures, this style of art allowed him to create beautiful figures, he worked with well-known artists Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera.

When he reached 30 years of age, Pedro Linares became ill and was bedridden, totally unconscious. During this time, he suffered different visions in which, from clouds, strange animals appeared to him. These animals apparently made noises and howled; but they also shouted: "Alebrijes, alebrijes! Although this word means nothing, it served to give a name to the beings he had dreamed of.

Fortunately, Pedro Linares managed to regain consciousness. Once he recovered from his illness, he remembered everything he had dreamed. Using his skill as a cardboard maker, he gave shape to those strange animals and painted them just as they appeared to him.

The artist Jorge Rodriguez hopes that through this mural he can transmit a sense of discovery and investigation of Mexican culture and art.  The mural is made of tri-ply wood, acrylic paint, a special 3d foam material, fibers and a protective sealant, the total work time of this artistic piece was a month.