Juan Vázquez Menor, is originally from the community of Temalacatzingo, located in the state of Guerrero, a Nahuatl-speaking community.

The art that he practices has been practiced for centuries, they do not know exactly how long, since they only know that it is a pre-Hispanic heritage that they still preserve in their community. He learned the art since he was a child watching how his mother
worked preparing the paintings, and as he grew up he perfected the technique.
Currently it is the same with his children as well as his grandchildren who are learning to work little by little.

Currently there are 8 adults working, they depend directly on this work. Each one does his part, for example some prepare the paints, others work the wood forming the toys, others design the cuts of the jewelry boxes and jícaras, others collect plants and minerals, others decorate and design the grecas and the finish, and others sow and harvest the bules (guajes). All this would be a very long and complicated process for a single person to do and it would take a long time to finish a few pieces.

As time has past, he has perfected and improved his technique as well as his designs and thanks to his work, has traveled to see a great part of Mexico and also travelled abroad.

Feria Maestros del Arte 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2025

AWARDS

·      1993 Recognition. First National Encounter of Maque Artists. Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas

·      1994  2nd place in Popular Painting. Toluca, Mexico

·       1994 Recognition. Second National Encounter of Maque Artists. Temalacatzingo, Guerrero

·      1996 1st place in Creativity, Salón de Maestros del Arte Popular Bancomer. Mexico City

·      1997 Certificate for Instructing in the
Elaboration of Natural Paintings. Temalacatzingo, Guerrero.

·      2004 Recognition for Instructing the Wood Painting Course. Temalacatzingo, Guerrero.

·      2012  1st place in New Designs (Lacquer and Maque).

·      2024  Recognition for participation in Original:Encounter of Mexican Textile Art (Original Escuincles). Mexico City.

·      2024 Recognition for participation in: 2nd Edition of SAUDI INTERNATIONAL HANDCRAFTS WEEK. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

ARTIST INFORMATION

Calle Xochimillco s/n,
Temalacatzingo,

Olinalá, Guerrero, México  41010

cel 55 9198 5219   tel 75 6475 4027

 juanvm1955@gmail.com