The piñata’s associated with the Latino culture, but historians point to Asia (especially China) as its actual point of origin. It’s supposed that the famous traveler Marco Polo’s visit to that nation, he saw how the Chinese created colorful animal figures covered with paper, which is hung with ornaments, and were used in the New Year celebrations. As a good observer, Polo brought Europe the idea of these early piñatas. Although housed in various regions of their religious significance, today, is considered a symbol of fun and entertainment.

Between contemporary design of characters and this popular tradition the project aims to let ourselves be surprised by the unexpected results arising from the interpretation of these characters by Mexican artisans who made them. And give the viewer a particular facility where the 30 piñatas “design” reflect the contemporary look of mixtures, juxtaposition and appropriation, in this case an object culturally ingrained in Latin America. Mexican artisans Ricardo Linares and Lorenzo García will be constructing the piñatas based on the designs of 25 worldwide artists including Cupco, Cecy Meade, Apak, S.britt, Snaggs, Tado, David Gamez, Gaston Caba, Sonni, and many more!

Gallery Vertigo | Mexico City | February 3rd, 2010

From 15^th Dec to 1^st Jan you can find my X´Mas decoration & exhibition in Hong Kong. Shoppers who purchase $100 or above in the Tuen Mun Trend Plaza, City Landmark, Skyline Plaza, Shatin Centre, Shatin Plaza, Fanling Centre, Fanling Flora Plaza, Dawning View, Citimall, Hop Yick Plaza & Manhattan Plaza can participate the game “X’mas Bingo! Bell” to win the limited edition gifts. All gifts could be redeemed exclusively and they are not for sale.

Lovely picture of my toy Atreyu at the Savill Garden, The Royal Landscape @ Windsor, UK.
Photo taken by Doc18. 

I did one of the 5 ballon-toys to be included as a gift in the “Latex for Fun” book.

Book presentation & exhibition launch party, “Latex for fun” by Máximo Tuja - Max-oMatic:
Thursday 24th May // 20:00h.
Vallery - Calabria 85 - 08015 - Barcelona

The exhibition includes a selection of works from the book & limited edition posters by Jeremyville, Gastón Caba, Sauerkids, Dgph y Gregori Saavedra y muñecos de látex diseñados por Jeremyville, Jon Burgerman, Sauerkids, Gastón Caba, Dgpgh, Pulco Mayo, Hello Bard, Craig Atkinson, Ch. Lindemann, Oli / ICFF, Miss Lotion, Lala Ladcani, Gregori Saavedra, Zosen and Max-o-matic.
More info at:
www.maxomatic.net/latex

I did a custom version of Sharim Gubbels paper workers, and this is a very nice picture of the toy he sent to me.

You can check Sharim work here:
www.illectronics.com

Upcoming vinyl toy of my “Juanca” character, licensed by Kaching Brands (Los Angeles).