Love & Loss: Días de los Muertos 2011
Love & Loss: Días de los Muertos 2011
17th annual Days of the Dead exhibit explores the stories behind home altars
Celebrated between October 31 and November 2, the Mesoamerican tradition of Días de los Muertos is widely associated with iconic and colorful elements---such as sugar skulls, marigolds, and altars, or ofrendas---arranged or created in honor of deceased loved ones. This year OMCA celebrates the 17th annual Days of the Dead exhibition, which looks beyond the icons to delve into the heartfelt tales of love and loss that the ofrendas have to tell. Featuring 14 artists and student and community groups with personal stories related to Días de los Muertos, the exhibition pays special attention to the importance of ofrendas and celebrates this ritual as a vehicle for creating intimate sacred spaces and sharing memories.
Featured Artists: Amalia Mesa Bains, Chris Granillo, Xochitl Nevel Guerrero, Roberto Guerrero, Rubén Guzmán Campos, Joaquin Newman, Ernesto Hernández Olmos, Dee Dee Rodriguez, Tessie Scharaga, Consuelo Jiménez Underwood, Andres Cisneros Galindo, Irene Perez, Rafael Jesús González, and Hermina Albarran Romero. Participating schools and community groups: Peralta Elementary, with lead artists Trena Noval and Ellen Oppenheimer; Laney College, with lead artists Leslee Stradford and Arturo Davila; and Clínica de La Raza and Sutter VNA & Hospice, Emeryville, with lead artist Alicia Diaz.
GALLERY TALKS & FAMILY TOURS
Hear artists talk about their works in the exhibition. All programs are included with Museum admission.
Sunday, October 30
1 pm, Family tour of Love & Loss
2 pm, Joaquin A. Newman, Xochitl Nevel Guerrero, and Roberto Guerrero
FREE First Sunday, November 6
1 pm, Family tour of Love & Loss
2 pm Dee Dee Rodriguez
Sunday, November 20
1 pm, Family tour of Love & Loss
2 pm, Consuelo Jiménez Underwood
FREE First Sunday, December 4
1 pm, Family tour of Love & Loss
The exhibition is curated by Patricia Rodríguez, Chicana artist, educator, co-founder of Bay Area art Collective "Mujeres Muralistas." Love & Loss: Días de los Muertos 2011 is made possible in part by generous support from the Oakland Museum Women’s Board.
