playful yet poignant works seamlessly incorporate ancient and colonial Mexican tradition within a contemporary practice. Throughout his illustrious oeuvre, Ximello-Salido’s compositions often embody the spirit of “La Catrina,” or “elegant skull,” a time-honored Mexican cultural symbol and the inspiration for both traditional and contemporary Mexican art. Along with La Catrina, Ximello-Salido also incorporates ancient Mexican techniques such as Talavera painting, as well as many references to the Day of the Dead festival. The artist explains: “By creating my original artworks with Mexican folklore and daily experiences, I am able to bridge the gap between past and present as a modern Mexican artist.”