PUERTO VALLARTA.- A Mexican artist known for his work in graphic arts, particularly in the traditional Russian style of lubok, Alejandro Barreto is recognized by the Russian Academy of Traditional Art as the "Ambassador of Lubok Art in Mexico" for both his doctoral work (He has a Master of Fine Arts degree from the San Carlos Academy and a Ph.D. in Arts and Design with honors from FAD-UNAM, National Autonomous University of Mexico) and the documentary, Plastic Artisan, produced by the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) public television network in Mexico City, about his work and time in Moscow. He is currently an Honorary Research Member of the Russian Academy of Traditional Art.

Derived from the Russian word lub, which translates as a board onto which images are printed, Lubok prints have a narrative style often telling stories or conveying messages through images and text. A key feature of its artwork is its bold, expressive lines and vibrant colors. A traditional Russian folk art form that originated in the 17th century, Lubok is characterized by simple, colorful graphics and narratives, often humorous, and typically featuring images from folk tales and legends, literature, religious stories, popular culture and everyday life scenes.

Originally designed to be affordable and accessible to the general population, Lubok quickly became a popular form of art among ordinary people and has influenced various art forms, including graphic design, illustration, and fine art. Its bold, expressive style and narrative approach have inspired many artists. Barreto has adapted the traditional lubok style to create his own unique work in which he applies this technique to his Mexican heritage own cultural references.

Barreto's career spans over two decades, with his work featured in over 170 collective exhibitions in countries such as Russia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the UK. Barreto currently works at his studio, Estudio Lubok, the Studio Lubok Graphic Workshop, in Michoacán, Mexico, focusing on research and graphic production.

Lubok Méxicano is on display at the Arte Vallarta Museo in Puerto Vallarta, MX from November 15, 2025 to February 7, 2026.