Celebrations
Snow!
The Day of the Dead
When living in Mexico, I learned about retablos from a friend doing her dissertation on this wonderful form of folk art. These little paintings — originally on tin, later on wood — were found in the churches, as devotionals to patron saints. Later they were sold and displayed in homes to represent not only religious saints, but as decorative pieces to represent ceremonies of animals, protection, fertility and healing.
Día de los Muertos is a yearly celebration and remembrance of those family members who have passed. Honoring them, families set up shrines decorated with flowers, candles, photos, and favorite foods of those departed. Dolls, sugar skulls and figurines are made, children dress up, masks are worn, and parades are held to honor the departed back for two short days throughout Mexico. It's joyous.
When my artist friend and I were asked to put on a Day of the Dead exhibit in a local gallery a while back, a new chapter of art began! I started with Day of the Dead figures honoring my family and animals and framed some to make my own personal retablos. It went on from there!
Día de los Muertos is a yearly celebration and remembrance of those family members who have passed. Honoring them, families set up shrines decorated with flowers, candles, photos, and favorite foods of those departed. Dolls, sugar skulls and figurines are made, children dress up, masks are worn, and parades are held to honor the departed back for two short days throughout Mexico. It's joyous.
When my artist friend and I were asked to put on a Day of the Dead exhibit in a local gallery a while back, a new chapter of art began! I started with Day of the Dead figures honoring my family and animals and framed some to make my own personal retablos. It went on from there!
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All images © Maggie Kendis Site Map
