Going to Bethlehem by helicopter

Two highly unusual Nativity scenes by award winning Oaxacan artists Agustin Prudencio and Carmen Sosa Ojeda were on display during a Trunk Show at the Tucson Museum of Art this weekend, including the Helicopter Nativity, above.

Learning wood-carving from his famous father, Prudencio has made a name for himself internationally with whimsical Nacimientos interpreted for the 21st Century. He carves the imaginative figures and she brings them to life with delicate detailed painting.

Flying high with Jesus

No travel by mule, no humble stable for these religious figures; it’s jet-set all the way to Bethlehem. In the Nativity, shown above, Mary and baby Jesus ride in a helicopter that Joseph pilots. On the helicopter’s tail: an angel–a good safety feature! On the skid: one of the 3 kings and a shepherd. The other 2 kings are probably on the skid on the other side. The display tables in this show were packed with dozens upon dozens of other figures, including a priest with a backpack and, just barely visible near the angel’s feet, a robot. What could be more contemporary than that?! And the price tag is 21st century, too: $7,000.

Cruisin’ with the 3 wise men

The Nativity that caught my eye was JMJ on the road in an open vehicle. Behind JMJ in the front seat are the 3 wise men and in the back seat is a shepherd and an angel with a yellow umbrella. The “shepherd” appears to be carrying a rabbit so maybe he is actually a “rabiteer”. If you’d like to add this unique vehicle to your personal Christmas display, the price is $1,700.

Because all the artwork was so jammed together, you can also see a bus with animals, including a giraffe and a fighting bull, behind it. (Not sure what that is about.) Plus a collection of free-standing Nativity figures.

Here’s a bird’s eye view of the car, which, of course, has Our Lady of Guadalupe on the hood:

More than Christmas Nativities

And the other work by this duo is just as inventive. This deer looks as if he/she is ready to run at the slightest hint of danger, but the black and white rooster is as fearless as he can be.

And, below, the angel riding a unicorn while holding a little rabbit is charming.

Then there was a triumphant angel holding scales of justice while standing on the defeated Devil. The one that intrigues me is the deer-like figure on the left with multiple horns and wide-spread wings. Anther example of the fantastic imagination of these Oaxacan artists!

Years ago I bought a carved wood Noah’s Ark for a very few dollars–I think under $20–at the tourist shop in Ensenada, but packed it away some time ago. After seeing these extraordinary works of art, I think I’ll get all the pieces out and put them on display again.

Prudencio and Ojeda have shown and sold their works at the International Folk Art Festival in Santa Fe, NM for the last few years and you might find them there again this coming year.

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