The artist
Ricardo Quero was born in Mitla, Oaxaca, a land where the past and present intertwine through ancient stones and timeless voices. From a very young age, art was his natural language. He grew up walking among the imposing Zapotec ruins, marveling at the intricate geometric designs, or “grecas,” that adorn the remains of his hometown, symbols of a deeply rooted culture. At the same time, the graffiti that appeared on modern walls caught his attention as a more urban form of expression. Ricardo absorbed both the ancient and the contemporary, all while listening to the elders speak of traditions deeply ingrained in Oaxaca’s soil, including the sacred reverence for skulls found through natural death.
Every piece an offering
Each of Ricardo Quero’s creations is an offering not only to death but also to life and the eternal cycle that connects them. His work honors the delicate balance between beginnings and endings, recognizing that life and death are not opposites but parts of a continuous, sacred cycle.
Play Video
"La ofrenda"Our Documentary
Welcome to Mitla
Meet Ricardo Quero in this captivating excerpt from the documentary La Ofrenda, where he shares the story behind his art and his deep connection to his heritage. Filmed during Día de los Muertos, this intimate glimpse invites you into Ricardo’s home and family as they create a traditional altar, craft one of his intricate pieces, and celebrate the sacred day. Through the streets of Mitla, the documentary beautifully captures the essence of life, death, and the artistry that unites them in Ricardo’s world.
Maintaining a tradition
Lines and History
Ricardo’s art is not only an expression of his surroundings and his heritage but also an act of cultural preservation.
His roots
Inspired by the traditional Mitla grecas, Ricardo found his own artistic voice, blending the ancient with the modern in each of his works. He has reinvented these characteristic geometric shapes with a deeply personal touch, using an unconventional canvas: cow skulls he finds, always from natural death. For him, each skull tells a story, imbued with a unique energy connected to the earth, life, and death.
A cultural heritage
In his culture, it is believed that these skulls, when discovered through natural means, have the power to bring protection and harmony to the home that receives them. Ricardo embraces this tradition and transforms it into art, giving each piece new life and meaning, connecting people to the ancient beliefs of his ancestors.