Mexican Art

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By Karen Hart

Mexican art makes a great topic for pre-school as it’s so vibrant – full of colour and life. Just about anything goes in Mexican art and crafts; just look at the work of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera – they put everything in! Use the activities in this article to cover learning goals under all strands of understanding the world and expressive art and design.

Activities in this article:

1. Mexican Folk Art Mirrors
2. Frida Kahlo Doll!
3. Worry Dolls
4. Ojo de Dios or God’s Eye Decorations
5. Funny Face Cacti and Mariachi Band Figures

Mexican Folk Art Mirrors

Folk art (art that is created by artists with no formal art training) can be found in various parts of Mexico, and these mirrors, with traditional embossed tin frames, are thought to have originated in the 1500s. Mexican hojalata (tin art work), is created by stamping, punching and cutting tin shapes. Tin is widely used in Mexican craft work due to it being inexpensive and easy to work with; tin is also known in Mexico as ‘poor man’s silver.’ The themes used in Mexican folk art often incorporate designs inspired by decorations found in Mexican churches.

Try making these very simple Mexican folk art mirrors with your pre-schoolers – we had lots of fun making ours.