Oscar Carrillo: Snail-Owl Fusion Woodcarving mata oritz holding a sword in front

holding a sword in front of him—a symbol of divine justice and protection

The painting of this Oaxacan bird sculpture is spectacular

This beautiful piece has a minimalistic contemporary style

which contrast elegantly with the greens and reds of the body

Oscar Carrillo: Snail-Owl Fusion Woodcarving mata oritz holding a sword in frontIn the world of Oaxacan alebrijes, a fusion, or fantasy creature, combines elements from two (or more) real animals to spark the imagination. Fusion alebrijes are hybrid folk art sculptures that merge features from multiple animals into singular, fantastical forms. These pieces blend real world anatomies, like shells, wings, horns, and claws, into harmonious yet otherworldly creatures These fantastic beings celebrate creativity and storytelling,