By Edward Swift
Fábrica La Aurora will celebrate the Day of the Dead Art Walk on Saturday, October 29, from 4 to 8pm. For the artists in La Aurora, this day presents an opportunity to blend art and a centuries-old tradition. Several of the galleries are planning special exhibitions, and most of them will create altars in remembrance of departed family members, friends, and colleagues.
Scholars have traced the present-day celebration to its indigenous observances dating back 3,000 years to Mictecacihuatl, the queen of the underworld. Her duty was to watch over the bones of the departed and preside over the festivals of the dead.
According to ancient codices, skulls symbolizing death and rebirth were placed on display when the Monarch butterflies, believed to be the spirits of the departed, return to the pine-scented mountains. For several days, San Miguel de Allende will be redolent with copal incense, manzanilla, and the flower of the dead—the marigold, or cempasúchil.
As in previous years, Emigdio Ledesma, one of the keepers of San Miguel traditions and a former textile worker from the Fabrica, will create a special altar in the central courtyard. This year, his altar will commemorate the Aurora musical band formed by workers of La Aurora who played every Sunday for the community. In keeping with this lively and colorful tradition, Pineda Covelin will present a collection entitled “Origen: The Art of Masks.” The collection of timeless, hand-painted wearable art is by Santisima of Colectivo EDMX, a group of talented national and international artists.
Moyshen has invited two guest artists: Ana Rivera will present ceramics entitled “Bálsamos y Balsero,” and Claudia Nery will show a series of paintings, “Matiz de Emociones.” In Galeria Zoho, Edna Dickinson, inspired by the colors of Diá de los Muertos, has designed platters in warm earth tones, and in Alquimia 4, painter Manolo Cocho presents his work titled “Seres de Luz,” inspired by insight focused on understanding the light-energy of things and living beings.
In Punto Actual, you will be greeted by two mojigangas in full Catrina splendor, and in the Emerging Artists Gallery, Lucas Rise will be doing live painting.
Galería San Francisco will arrange its altar in the patio of the gallery and present new paintings by gallery artists, while Interseccion Galeria will exhibit new works by three artists: “Crónicas Cotidianas de Cestia Casera” by Victor Hugo Perez, “Reencarnación” by Yui Sakamoto, and from Ian Johnson, “Equinox Between the Day and the Night.”
Mario Oliva will exhibit his newest creation, a sculpture titled “Ave Fenix.” Developed with cooperation of Tierra Huichol, the sculpture, more than five meters long, is composed of 38 pieces set with multicolored beads. Its iridescent and black-feathered wings contribute to its visual impact. The work represents life through death as well as traditions of crafts evolving into modern art.
Please join us for altars and art in celebration of this very Mexican tradition.
Art Walk
Sidebar
Day of the Dead
Sat, Oct 29, 4-8pm
Fábrica La Aurora
Free admission
