Recorded February 6, 2023. 

Gabriela Marván is a cartonera living and working in Wisconsin. Cartonería is a paper sculpture technique that has roots in the beginning of colonialism in Mexico. The Catholic Church used sculptures to communicate its doctrine with indigenous people but now the technique is used during celebrations and folk art of all kinds. Gabriela specializes in Day of the Dead decorations and loves the artistic flexibility that comes along with designing Catrina’s (the iconic elegantly dressed skeleton figure). It’s become a way to remember the busy mercados in Mexico and build up her local community celebrations at the same time. She finds a lot of fulfillment in the festival, food, and music but most importantly through educating people through her vibrant sculpture.  

To find more of Gabriela’s work visit her website: www.folkartcollective.com, Instagram: @poshemx, @folkartcollective 

Photo credit for the banner: Hanna Agar Photography

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