honoring culture through creative expression
The Día de los Muertos art exhibition opened on Oct. 23 from 4-7 p.m. at the Roberts Art Gallery, showcasing Samo and JAMS art students’ pieces. This yearly exhibition serves as a communal space where students in all of the different art classes on campus come together and are able to honor the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos.
Ileana de la Cerda / The Samohi
Día de los Muertos is originally a Mexican holiday, but the happiness and shared connection are feelings that are felt between all different cultures when celebrating. A common misconception is that Día de los Muertos is a sad and mournful holiday. While it is a holiday to remember deceased loved ones, the celebration of their life is the main focus. People create ofrendas (altars) decorated with flowers, candles, food and the photos of their departed family and friends. Samo’s Roberts Art Gallery commemorated Día de los Muertos with presenting students’ vibrant creations, honoring the spirit of light and festivity that characterizes the holiday.
Ceramics I student Ava Gonzalez (’28) has always loved working with different media to create art. Gonzalez has been involved with art for many years, specifically watercolor painting. When she saw that Samo offered a ceramics class, she was thrilled and jumped at the chance to join. As an advocate of artistic expression, she believes that all students should find time in their day to practice art, as it can be relaxing and a way to get ideas out. Gonzalez showcased a vibrant calavera (skull), which she executed with the inspiration of her Puerto Rican culture.
“My inspiration for [the ceramic calavera] was my ethnicity and cultural background. I am half Puerto Rican, so I took inspiration from the Puerto Rican flag and their national symbols,” Gonzalez said. “[This gallery] makes me feel very excited because I also get to see everyone else’s work. I love admiring everyone else’s pieces and I hope that some people are inspired and/or like mine.”
At the exhibit, the drawings and paintings were hung on all sides of the room. There was a welcoming and radiant atmosphere to the gallery, reflecting the individual touch each student artist left on their works. The clay sculptures were neatly arranged by the students’ period, showcasing the different thought processes and creative ideas they decided to portray. Each of the students took the traditional skull head shape and turned it into a unique artistic statement. There were two altars, complete with clay food, marigolds, candles and photos brought by different families, giving the altars a personal and heartfelt element. Adding to the diverse environment, Latin American flags were displayed, recognizing the varied cultural backgrounds that celebrate Día de los Muertos. The gallery was full of wandering students and families from opening until closing time.