By james art HOUSTON, Texas — Papel picado, or perforated paper, is a Mexican art form with a rich history. It is made by skilled craftsmen using tissue paper, hammer and chisels.
Guadalupe Hernandez, an artist from Houston, has made it her mission to preserve this tradition.
“I believe that like papel picado it is a cultural treasure of Mexico,” he said. “Whenever you see him, you immediately recognize him as Mexican.”
His last exhibit, Con Cariño at the Houston Endowment, took two years to complete and was made entirely of Papel Picado.
“The idea behind Con Cariño is sort of this appreciation for my parents who left their homeland and did all these things to provide for their family,” he said.
Over the years, the Mexican tradition of hanging this festive paper has gained popularity.
“(You see them at) baptisms, weddings, Quinces, Da de los Muertos,” he said.
Guadalupe feels that art is slowly disappearing.
“I think it’s important to respect that tradition and produce it that way, and then also do workshops,” he said.
Through his workshops, he teaches others the old-fashioned way of a meticulous process using chisels, blades and a hammer to make precise cuts.
His next big project is a big one. He designed a 30-foot papel dart structure that will hang in the East Aldine Ward.
“I worked with the fabricator to laser cut the designs out of aluminum panels,” he explained. “So now the panels are painted, the build is complete, and we’re just waiting on lighting for it.”
The opening of the large structure is scheduled for November 22.