Posada Set designed by James Grieshaber and Richard Kegler, USA

Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada (1851-1913) created a massive variety of material (broadsheets, cards, advertisements, posters, etc) which largely represented a defense of the common man and a manifestation of the horrible and gruesome events of the day. His most notable imagery comes from his Calaveras (skeletons) celebrating the "Day of the Dead". The time of year that corresponds with Halloween holds great importance to the Mexican people, and is a time of great celebration. Calaveras often represent effigies of living people depicted as skeletons going about their daily activities. These are often humorous and playful in a way that helps bridge this world with the beyond.

Posada's stark illustrative techniques resemble woodcuts or wood engravings, but are actually cut into soft metal. They are printed in relief (the same as wood cut or wood engraving) but his techniques offered more variation and experimentation. Posada's imagery in still powerful and influential today.

P22 Posada Regular and Irregular are based on J. G. Posada's hand rendered typography used for some of his posters and broadsides. This lettering sought to mimic the wood type styles of the time complete with hand drawn nuances and Posasa's own flare. Designed by James Grieshaber.

P22 Posada Extras are derived from Posada's calaveras and other prints. Digitized by Richard Kegler.