Rafael Zamarripa
Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda (born February 8, 1942) is a Mexican painter, sculptor, designer, dancer and choreographer. Zamarripa's paintings, sculptures, and choreography have been called distinct and recognizable. He is considered one of Mexico's most prominent contemporary artists. Zamarripa's students have called him the father and master of folklórico dance. Early life and education Zamarripa was born in 1942 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to Francisco ‘Don Panchito’ Zamarripa, a shoemaker, and Maria de Luz Castañeda, who loved to play the piano. He has described them as ‘strict, but loving parents.’ His family, including his six other siblings, was poor, but always had food and clothing. Zamarripa discovered his interest and talent in art at an early age; as a child he was amazed by puppets and he eventually started making his own. He used sticks, paper, and cardboard to make the puppets and he dressed them with fabric. At the age of eight his parents sent him to work with a santero (sculptor of religious wooden figures). Here, he started practicing his sculpting skills. Around this time Zamarripa would also help his father sell shoes downtown. On his way downtown, he would pass Teatro Degollado, which intrigued him. Returning from downtown,