Árbol de la vida • Tree of Life

In Mexico, there is a town not far from Mexico City called Metepec where for generations the González family has produced a type of traditional clay sculpture known as the Árbol de la Vida, or Tree of Life. These sculptures, which were originally used to depict religious stories, now chronicle additional aspects of Mexican culture including literature, history and art. In art and in science, the Tree of Life is a metaphor for the relationships and connections between things.

Miguel Angel González’ Árbol de la Vida is one of many incredible pieces in the Santa Paula Art Museum’s De Colores Art Collection. This particular Tree of Life honors Chicano/a artists who have worked and/or continue to work in the Los Angeles region. In the interactive image below, click on each blinking icon to learn more about the artists and artworks who are represented.

Thank you to Kent Kirkton for the gift of this artwork to the Museum’s permanent collection.