Isaias Jimenez introduces his experience participating in a woodcarving competition in China in San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico, July 27, 2026.
Isaias Jimenez, 65, is a renowned woodcarver from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He learned the craft from his father, Manuel Jimenez, and continues to create vividly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures using traditional carving and painting techniques. Known as "alebrijes," these colorful, distinctively shaped works have become an iconic expression of Oaxacan folk art. (Xinhua/Liu Wenhui)
Isaias Jimenez carves a piece of wood at the Jimenez family's workshop in San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico, July 27, 2026.
Isaias Jimenez, 65, is a renowned woodcarver from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He learned the craft from his father, Manuel Jimenez, and continues to create vividly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures using traditional carving and painting techniques. Known as "alebrijes," these colorful, distinctively shaped works have become an iconic expression of Oaxacan folk art. (Xinhua/Liu Wenhui)
Isaias Jimenez and his son pose for a photo in front of a poster of Manuel Jimenez at the Jimenez family's workshop in San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico, July 27, 2026.
Isaias Jimenez, 65, is a renowned woodcarver from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He learned the craft from his father, Manuel Jimenez, and continues to create vividly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures using traditional carving and painting techniques. Known as "alebrijes," these colorful, distinctively shaped works have become an iconic expression of Oaxacan folk art. (Xinhua/Liu Wenhui)
People visit the exhibition hall of the Jimenez family's workshop in San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico, July 27, 2026.
Isaias Jimenez, 65, is a renowned woodcarver from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He learned the craft from his father, Manuel Jimenez, and continues to create vividly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures using traditional carving and painting techniques. Known as "alebrijes," these colorful, distinctively shaped works have become an iconic expression of Oaxacan folk art. (Xinhua/Liu Wenhui)
Isaias Jimenez's daughter paints on a wood carving at a workshop in San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico, July 27, 2026.
Isaias Jimenez, 65, is a renowned woodcarver from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He learned the craft from his father, Manuel Jimenez, and continues to create vividly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures using traditional carving and painting techniques. Known as "alebrijes," these colorful, distinctively shaped works have become an iconic expression of Oaxacan folk art. (Xinhua/Liu Wenhui)
A performer holds a carved wooden scepter made by Isaias Jimenez and his son during the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca City, Mexico, July 27, 2026.
Isaias Jimenez, 65, is a renowned woodcarver from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He learned the craft from his father, Manuel Jimenez, and continues to create vividly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures using traditional carving and painting techniques. Known as "alebrijes," these colorful, distinctively shaped works have become an iconic expression of Oaxacan folk art. (Xinhua/Liu Wenhui)