Museo del Barrio Exhibit

Día de los Muertos

Museo del barrio, NY, NY

Joel Campos (b. Xalatzala, Estado de Guerrero, Mexico 1960; lives and works in New York, NY) La Madre Tierra (Mother Earth), 2013 Oil on canvas

Earth, another of the four elements, is also present in the Day of the Dead ofrenda. Elements of the ofrenda, including flowers, food, and copal are representations of earth and its offerings. - Joel Campos La tierra, otro de los cuatro elementos tambien esta presente en la ofrenda del Dfa de los Muertos. Las flores, los alimentos y tecnicamente todos los elementos de la ofrenda son representaciones de la tierra y sus productos. - Joel Campos

Linda Betanzos (Xochiquetzal) (b. Mexico, D.F., Mexico 1979; lives and works in New York, NY) Pulque, 2013 Oil on canvas

Food and beverage that was preferred by the deceased person is fundamental in an ofrenda. Pulque is a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant. It is a favorite of many and present in many ofrendas.

Linda Betanzos (Xochiquetzal) (b. Mexico, D.F., Mexico 1979; lives and works in New York, NY) Retrato del Difunto (Portrait of Deceased), 2013

Oil on canvas

The portraits of our loved ones reinforce their presence. They provide memories and act as a form of respect towards them. - Linda Betanzos (Xochiquetzal)

Los retratos de nuestros seres queridos refuerzan su presencia. Anaden recuerdos y actuan como una forma de respeto hacia ellos. - Linda Betanzos (Xochiquetzal)

Jose Luis Mendoza (b. San Antonio Tlatenso, Puebla, Mexico 1982; lives and works in New York, NY)Poposhcomitl (.Copal/Resin Incense), 2013

It is believed by many that the only sense used in the non-terrestrial world is smell. Copal is lit to guide our loved ones back home and prevent them from getting lost. It is also used as a source of purification of the home. - Jose Luis MendozaMuchas personas creen que el único sentido usado en el mundo no terrenal es el olfato. Se enciende copal para guiar a los seres queridos de vuelta a casa y evitar que se pierdan. También se usa como fuente de purificación del hogar. - José Luis Mendoza

Alex Campo (b. Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico) Cempazuchitl (Marigold), 2013

Cempazuchitl and flor de terciopelo (celosa flower) are the traditional flowers used in the ofrenda. The aroma of the flowers mingles with the copal in order to guide our loved ones back home. The cempazuchitl was associated with death in Pre-Columbian Mexico, while purple represents mourning in the Catholic religion. - Alex Campo

Leonardo Mendoza (b. San Antonio TIatenso, Puebia, Mexico 1984; lives and works in New York, NY)

Papel Picado (Cut Paper), 2013

Papel Picado mingles with the wind and with its movements announces the arrival of our loved ones. Its lively colors and imagery welcomes them in a festive colorful manner. - Leonardo Mendoza

Rosario Susana Garcia Farcier (b. Puebia, Mexico 1986; lives and works in New York, NY) Maiz (Corn) 2013 Oil on canvas

Maiz has been a fundamental part of the Mexican/Central American life since pre-Columbian times and therefore an essential part of the ofrenda. Whether present in tortillas, atoles (corn based hot drink), tamales or the corn itself, maiz is always present in a Day of the Dead ofrenda. - Rosario Susana Garcia Farcier

Cievel Xicohtencatl (b. New York, NY 1992; lives and works in New York) Cihuateteo (Maternity/Maternidacf), 2013

November 1 is el Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), a special day dedicated to children who have passed away, and the closeness of maternity, new life and death is present in symbols related to el Dfa de los Muertos. Cihuateteo is an Aztec Deity representing women who die in childbirth. She was believed to be in charge of caring for infants in Mictlan, the world of the dead. - Cievel Xicohtencatl

Marcos Avendano (b. Oaxaca, Mexico 1989; lives and works in New York,

NY) Fuego (Fire), 2013

Fire, one of the four elements, is associated with purification and renewal. In the ofrenda fire is present in candles, which are lit while saying the deceased person's name in order to light their path. - Marcos Avendano

Eleazar Galvez (b. Guerrero, Mexico 1986; lives and works in New York,

NY) Calaveritas de Dulce (.Sugar Skulls'), 2013

El Dia de Los Muertos is a celebration of Life. The names of politicians, celebrities and many others are written on the top parts of the calaveritas as a reminder that nobody escapes the path of death. The floral designs and sequins are a reminder that death is not something to fear, but simply another element of life. - Eleazar Galvez

Marcos "Roles" Gomez (b. Mexico, D.F., Mexico 1974; lives and works in

New York, NY) Musica (Music) 2013

El Día de Los Muertos is a celebration in honor of those who have passed away and what celebration is complete without music? On this day mariachis, trios and bands play in cemeteries and the deceased person's home to celebrate their visit. - Roles Gomez