This Zapotec Native American was born in the small village of Ocotlan de Morelos today, in 1925. He became an art teacher after studying at San Carlos Academy, in Mexico City, a career he held for 32 years. His collages and paintings are described as dream-like, executed in bright colors and focusing on women in village scenes and magical realism. His indigenous roots come forth in his work and Marc Chagall is an obvious influence.
In 1985, Morales was able to quit teaching and dedicate his life to his art and restoration of the buildings in his hometown. An interesting note...he began each day by creating a small collage that then would be sold to help fund his restoration foundation. Morales was dedicated to a variety of humanitarian efforts: establishing a computer center for youth, distribution of AIDS education, planting copal trees for beautification as well as providing sculptural wood for artisans, etc.
While he concentrated primarily on painting and collage, he did create murals and sculpture as well, and one of my favorites is pictured below. The brightly colored pillars depict "Brides".
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