Oaxaca is a melting pot of culture and art, a place where ancestral traditions intertwine with contemporary creativity. In the heart of this vibrant city stands the Macedonio Alcalá Theater, a historic venue that recently celebrated its 115th anniversary. The celebration was accompanied by the unveiling of the new main curtain, a monumental work created by the talented maestro José Luis García. This blog pays tribute to Maestro García, whose work constitutes an incredible legacy of Mexican art.
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Master José Luis García
José Luis García is a self-taught Oaxacan artist, recognized for his commitment to the tradition and culture of his land. Throughout his career, he has worked in painting, sculpture and pottery, always with a style that reflects a deep knowledge of local customs and techniques (Galería Casa Lamm).
He is the founder of the arts and crafts workshop “Polvo de Agua”, where he promotes the rescue of Mixtec pottery and seeks to create a link between the ancestral and the contemporary through pieces inspired by pre-Hispanic ceramics (Alfredo Harp Helú Oaxaca Foundation). His works use materials native to Oaxaca, such as earth and natural pigments, thus reinforcing his connection with his roots.
Among his murals are those done in Germany and France, such as Finster (Whispers) in Nuremberg and Thread of Light in Tarbes, the latter in collaboration with artist Marjorie Thebault, showing his ability to combine tradition and creativity in a unique way (Sistema de Información Cultural).
Celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Macedonio Alcalá Theater
August 19, 2025 marked the 115th anniversary of the Macedonio Alcalá Theater in Oaxaca de Juárez. Since its inauguration in 1909, this venue has been the scene of countless cultural and artistic events, consolidating itself as a symbol of Oaxacan identity.
The ceremony was full of emotion and pride as it paid tribute to Maestro José Luis García and the cultural legacy that his work represents. The evening included the participation of dancer Elisa Carrillo Cabrera, who dazzled with two memorable performances, accompanied by the powerful voice of Lila Downs. Together they achieved a unique fusion of classical dance and traditional music that moved the audience.
One of the most anticipated moments was the unveiling of the new main curtain, created by Maestro García under the title “Ñúú Nündúva”, which in the Mixtec language means “Land of Clouds”. The piece is a visual narrative that integrates history, traditions and the natural wealth of Oaxaca.
With a vibrant chromatic palette and a carefully crafted composition, the artist represented outstanding Oaxacan creators from different disciplines, such as artists, writers, musicians, historians and dancers. Among them are Macedonio Alcalá, Eduardo Mata, Francisco Toledo, Rufino Tamayo, José Vasconcelos and Rodolfo Morales, among others.
The curtain, 13 meters wide by 7.5 meters high, was made in oil and mixed technique on medium-grain linen, using traditional pigments such as grana cochineal carmine, indigo blue and Mayan blue. Its creation took about 18 months and was possible thanks to the joint work of the master with a team of 11 assistants, as well as the valuable support of a group of patrons committed to the preservation of Oaxaca’s artistic heritage (Sistema Radiofónico Educativo, 2025).
The legacy of José Luis García in DeCorazón México
At DeCorazón México we congratulate Maestro José Luis García for his invaluable career and the cultural legacy he has built over the years. His work is a reflection of the richness of Oaxaca and the deep respect he has for his roots, which makes him one of the great figures of contemporary Mexican folk art.
At DeCorazón México we have the honor of safeguarding and offering the public a very fine selection of its pieces, each one loaded with history, tradition and an artistic seal that elevates and dignifies our heritage. We extend a cordial invitation to discover these unique creations, either by visiting our online store or by going directly to the gallery, located at Plaza San Jacinto 20, San Angel, Alvaro Obregon, 01000 Mexico City, CDMX.
Conclusion: a curtain raiser to history
We congratulate Master José Luis García for this new monumental work that today adorns the Macedonio Alcalá Theater, inviting everyone to visit it and admire its greatness in the heart of Oaxaca. At DeCorazón México we are proud to have pieces by artists of such high stature, whose work reflects the strength and vitality of Mexican popular art. We want to encourage our public to continue supporting and purchasing the work of national creators, because each purchase is also a recognition of their talent and a way to preserve our cultural heritage alive.
References
Alfredo Harp Helú Oaxaca Foundation. (2022, September). Water dust. https://fahho.mx/polvo-de-agua/
Casa Lamm Gallery (n.d.). José Luis García (1955, Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca). Tumblr. https://www.tumblr.com/galeria-casalamm/90783623290/jos%C3%A9-luis-garc%C3%ADa-1955-huajuapan-de-le%C3%B3n-oaxaca
Sistema Radiofónico Informativo (2025, September 5). Expansion of the Las Palomas – Acatlán stretch will benefit transporters: Canaco-Servytur Huajuapan. XEOU Radio. https://xeouradio.com/ampliacion-del-tramo-las-palomas-acatlan-beneficiara-a-transportistas-canaco-servytur-huajuapan/
Vidal Bedoya. (2025, September 3). Teatro Macedonio Alcalá celebrated its 115th anniversary with the unveiling of the play “El rescate de los signos”. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNl6AbDp0xw/
