Spirit Guides
On View March 29 – Aug. 3, 2025
Mythical Creatures with a Soulful Twist
Immerse yourself in a breathtaking exhibition that bridges ancient Mexican culture and contemporary art. Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles showcases the extraordinary vision of renowned Oaxacan artists Jacobo and María Ángeles, offering visitors an unparalleled journey into the spiritual landscape of Southern Mexico's indigenous traditions. Presented among the natural environment of Fernbank’s WildWoods, this collection of brightly colored and richly patterned sculptures depicts imaginary hybrid animals.
Eight vibrant, mythic animal-themed artworks explore the concepts of tona (spirit protectors) and nahual (spirit animals). Inspired by the sacred Zapotec calendar, the animal sculptures offer a fascinating glimpse into an intersection of art, mythology and identity, reminding guests of the profound connection between the natural and cosmological worlds.
See this exhibit after-hours during select special events from March 29 - Aug. 3, 2025.
Exhibit Highlights
- Art Meets Culture: Eight large-scale, hand-painted fiberglass sculptures blending traditional Zapotec symbolism and designs with contemporary artistic expression
- Mythological Exploration: Unique hybrid creatures that challenge the boundaries between the natural and spiritual worlds
- Artistic Innovation: Intricate, brightly colored designs that bring ancient Indigenous mythology to life
- Bilingual Experience: Exhibit content in both Spanish and English, making the exhibit content accessible to diverse audiences
“Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles” is organized by Denver Botanic Gardens.
Fernbank is a nonprofit natural history museum, giant screen theater and old-growth forest, and is not affiliated with Fernbank Science Center, which operates as a division of DeKalb County Schools.
