Depiction of two Tehuantepec women dancing the ceremonial dance known as "Velas". The women are in traditional Huipil dress, elaborately braided hair (with flowers) and lace ruffled skirts. The image of the Tehuana has been chronicled by 19th century photography and 20th century paintings by Mexico's greatest artists such as Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and in the self-portraits of Frida Kahlo. Frida being perhaps the most famous icon of a Tehuana.

Modesto Bernardo was born in Oaxaca, Mexico in 1963. He began his studies in 1985 at the University of Fine Arts Autonoma Benito Juarez and at the Taller de Artes Plasticas Rufino Tamayo. His work has exhibited extensively througout Mexico as well as the U.S., Japan, Canada & France.

In addition to being a painter he is an accomplished printmaker and sculptor. Modesto Bernardo studied under the tutelage of Rufino Tamayo (Tamayo being the leading figure of the Mexican modern art school). Modesto continued his training outside of Mexico and attended the University of Fine Arts in Nagoya, Japan. Modesto is clearly an artist with great promise and has earned his place in the next generation of Oaxacan artists to watch. The Oaxacan art school has produced many internationally renowned Mexican masters such as Rufino Tamayo, Rudolfo Morales, Francisco Toledo and Sergio Hernandez.

For over 15 years Modesto Bernardo has participated in exhibitions representing the arts of Mexico. His art depicts the images and values found in rural Oaxaca. Modesto is best known for his large scale paintings specific to Oaxacan everyday life. His images are traditionally dressed and are often shown participating in a particular cultural festival. Modesto is an active patron to local festivals and draws from these events the inspiration for his work. He is in firm belief that Oaxacan culture and tradition must be preserved so as not to be lost. His work often depicts children participating in cultural parades holding traditional paper flags or of women dressed in traditional outfits with either flowers or ribbons in their hair. Please contact me for a complete resume of Modesto's career.