Mexican crafts and cultural identities

Mexican crafts and cultural identities

To coincide with the exhibition Carla Fernández. The Future is Handmade, la Galerie du 19M and the Institut culturel du Mexique are organising a series of events to highlight Mexican crafts and the challenges they face in terms of preservation and promotion.

Often copied, misappropriated, and reproduced by the fashion industry, savoir-faire is often plagiarised and made anonymous. Mexico has played a pioneering role by implementing a broad policy to fight against cultural appropriation and reaffirm the cultural identity of its savoir-faire. Laws have also been enacted to protect the cultural heritage of indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples and communities.

These discussions will provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the responses and resources that can be put into place, as well as to explore more broadly the cultural issues linked to creation and craftsmanship around the world.

les Rencontres

Talk with Arisbeth González, Otomí embroiderer

Originally from Pahuatlán in the Mexican state of Puebla, Arisbeth González began her embroidery apprenticeship at the age of six. A regular collaborator with Carla Fernández Casa de Moda, she specialises in Otomí embroidery, which she inherited from her grandmother. Recognisable by their colourful motifs inspired by flora and fauna, Otomí embroidery has been the subject of numerous plagiarism attempts by major fashion brands.

Tuesday 24 October
6.30 – 8 p.m.
Institut culturel du Mexique

A look at creative protection in Mexico and around the world

With Marta Turok, a Mexican anthropologist specialising in crafts, Claudia Rivera, a photographer and the organiser of the Sabor Latino Month festival, and the journalist and author Melody Thomas. With its rich cultural diversity, Mexico has a unique craft heritage that is regularly copied, reproduced, and anonymised. Over the last few years, this growing phenomenon of plagiarism has led to the mobilisation of local craftspeople, weavers, and embroiderers. Visitors will also be able to discover the exhibition Carla Fernández. The Future is Handmade in a nocturnal format, learn how to decorate milagritos, and be surprised by a culinary offering from le Café du 19M.

Thursday 26 October
7–10 p.m.
la Galerie du 19M

Design market

A designers’ market showcasing the work of Mexican artisans and the Mexican community in Greater Paris. You’ll also find a selection of works by Mexican artists presented by the Artivistas gallery, tableware and textiles by Mañana Maison, decorative objects and accessories by Kusii Kusii, and Mexican produce chosen by le Café du 19M!

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 Octobe
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
la Galerie du 19M