Berlin (2011-2018): Bridge over chaos (Spring 2016): ‘TO PENNY CALDEMEYER’

Benito Franco 

Grouping of 8 Paños Envelopes* 

Framed size: 104,5 x 74,5 cm 

Graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink on stamped, franked envelopes 

1. Lady with hat, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

2. Inscribed “Dreaming of you”, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

3. Inscribed “Low Rider”, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

4. Lady with sombrero and rose, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

5. Female nude, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

6. Matchu Pitchu, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

7. Lady with hat and cross, approx. 24,2 x 10,5 cm (95 x 41 inches) 

8. Erotic Indian couple, approx. 18,5 x 12,5 cm (73 x 49 inches) 

*Chicano inmates use hand-decorated envelopes in color or black and white to mail letters and paños (prisoner folk art made on a handkerchief). Demand for these envelopes can provide a profitable business for a convict skilled in drawing. 

Please click here for a comprehensive essay on paños by Martha V. Henry.