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Written by: E. George
Published April 15, 2025 @ 8:22 AM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Visitors to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History can encounter a captivating new exhibit featuring towering hybrid animal sculptures inspired by Hispanic culture. The “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles” exhibition, designed by the renowned Oaxacan artists, will be on display through August 3, 2025, in the museum’s WildWoods area.
The exhibit features larger-than-life sculptures that combine animals with symbolic meaning. These vibrant, fiberglass creations, which stand as tall as eight feet, merge various animal forms—such as a deer-butterfly or a coyote-fish—into mystical creatures that reflect the ancient spiritual and astrological traditions of Mexico’s Zapotec culture. The intricate patterns and colors used in the sculptures draw from the symbolism of Mesoamerican calendars, including the Zapotec and Aztec astrological systems.
“Spirit Guides” takes inspiration from the Zapotec calendar, which includes a 260-day cycle associated with 20 animal signs. These animals, known as “tonas” and “nahuales,” are believed to serve as spiritual protectors, reflecting the human soul and guiding its destiny. Each hybrid sculpture serves as a representation of these animal spirits, embodying traits such as strength, leadership, and wisdom.
The exhibit is a vivid reflection of the culture and heritage of southern Mexico, where the artists live and work. Jacobo and María Ángeles are celebrated for their unique approach to wood carving and hand decoration, skills they have refined over decades.
Their workshop in San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, has become a hub for local artisans, employing more than 100 individuals and fostering a creative space where traditional Mexican folk art meets contemporary expression.
For Fernbank’s program manager, Maria Moreno, the exhibit is an opportunity to celebrate the intersection of art and culture.
Museum visitors will encounter these colossal sculptures in a natural woodland setting, creating a powerful visual experience that connects the natural world with the mythical. The sculptures are strategically placed along an elevated boardwalk through WildWoods, allowing guests to experience the artworks in an immersive environment that evokes a spiritual journey through Southern Mexico’s indigenous traditions.
Each sculpture is meticulously crafted in a multi-step process that begins with conceptual sketches, followed by small wooden prototypes and papier mâché molds, before being cast in durable fiberglass. The final creations are painted with bright colors and geometric patterns, each designed to represent various aspects of Zapotec life, including fertility, community, and personal growth.
The “Spirit Guides” exhibition invites guests to explore the deep connections between the natural world, mythology, and the human spirit, offering an educational experience that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. In addition to the sculptures, the exhibit provides insight into the broader cultural context of Zapotec traditions and their influence on contemporary Mexican art.
The exhibit is included with general admission as part of the museum’s regular programming. It is also featured during special after-hours events such as Fernbank After Dark, where visitors can experience the sculptures in a more intimate and atmospheric setting.
Fernbank Museum, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a renowned institution known for its commitment to preserving and interpreting the natural world. With exhibits spanning from ancient history to modern science, Fernbank is a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural landscape.
Through immersive exhibits like “Spirit Guides,” the museum continues to engage visitors in a dialogue about the intersections of culture, art, and nature. For more information about the exhibit and Fernbank’s upcoming events, visitors can check the museum’s website at fernbankmuseum.org.