SergioBustamanteMexicanb.1949Tortoisepainted papier machelife size tortoise, signed and numbered 53/100 to shell13 x 35 x 20 in. (33 x 88.9 x 50.8 cm.)Sergio Bustamante was born in Sinaloa, Mexico in 1949 and exhibited his work for the first time in Mexico City in 1966. His Mexican folk art sculptures, which are renowned for their surreal, whimsical qualities, often feature animals, celestial beings, human faces, and mythological references. Although papier mach? was his primary medium in his early work, he later expanded his artistic practice to include bronze, wood, and clay. About Sergio Bustamante Artist name: Sergio Bustamante Alias: Sergio Bustamante Profession: Sculptor, painter, jeweler, furniture maker Nationality: Mexico Born in Sinaloa, Mexico in 1949, the artist Sergio Bustamante is best renowned for his sculptures, although he is also a painter. His paintings share the whimsy that dominates his sculptures, in which he combines animals, human faces, celestial beings, and mythological references to surreal effect. Among Bustamante?s best-known sculptures is Ni?o-lagarto (Lizard Boy), in which twin moons and alligators symmetrically frame a young boy?s face. The boy?s forehead is an anthropomorphic rendering of the sun, while another alligator rests on his left thigh. As with most of Bustamante?s sculptures, it is glazed and painted. In 1975, Bustamante founded a group called Estudios, Taller, Familia (Family Workshop Studio) in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco alongside his local contemporaries, showcasing his commitment to nurturing artistic talent within his community. His 1982 sculpture Rooster stands as a prime example of papercraft, one of the five primary genres of Mexican folk art. The choice of an animal as the subject underscores the essence of Mexican folk art, while also aligning with the broader themes prevalent in much of his oeuvre. Bustamante studied architecture at the University of Guadalajara, but he ultimately chose to pursue art instead of completing his degree. He first exhibited his work at Mexico City?s Galeria Misrachi in 1966, and in the early 1970s, he studied art in Amsterdam. Papier mach? was his primary medium in his early work, but he eventually began working with bronze, wood, and clay. Later, he transitioned to making one-of-a-kind furniture and jewelry. Related Styles and Movements Sculpture Jewelry Furniture Making Papercraft Mexican Folk Art Surrealism Highlights and Achievements In May 2022, his sculptural fountain Face Mask sold for $8,500 via the Houston auction house Simpson Galleries. Abell provides in-house shipping for select items. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for item pickups. Items that cannot be shipped will be noted. An email will go out after invoices are sent. For assistance with shipping, please refer to our shippers' page at https://www.abell.com/buy-sell/how-to-ship/. Payment: Jewelry and coins must be paid by wire transfer, cash, or check (checks subject to clearance before release). The Condition Report states Abell Auction's reasonable opinion as to the lot?s general condition in the terms stated in the particular report, and Abell does not represent or guarantee that a Condition Report includes all aspects of the internal or external condition of the Lot. Items sold at auction are of considerable age and may exhibit wear, usage, repairs, and damage. Therefore, all lots are sold 'as is' and there are no returns or refunds. Abell does not owe the buyer any obligation to report on the condition of the lot and makes no guarantee the condition will be given for the lot. Abell attempts to provide accurate descriptions and images of products online. It is the buyer's responsibility to review all of the information provided about a lot before placing a bid. The buyer acknowledges that the products are sold on an ?as-is? basis.