Art and Alter

Celebration and Commemoration. The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center present to Toledo, the Art and Alter Die de los Muertos exhibition Nov. 6, Filled with amazing art from local artist.

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“Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them”. – George Eliot

Holidays always bring upon intense emotion, whether that’s happiness, sadness, anger, joy, or all of the above. The memories afflicting with a holiday always swirls in your brain when the date comes closer. As you reflect on your own personal feelings with each holiday, how would you commemorate one celebrating death?

Death can be a touchy subject for some people. Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated through Central and Southern America, and those of Mexican heritage in other parts of the world. This holiday is a gathering and celebration to remember friends and family who have passed away, with prayer and support in their spiritual journey. Mexican’s do not view death as a tragedy or a time of sadness. Instead they celebrate it. They treat death as the next big adventure in life, and make sure to never forgot their loved ones. From October 31st, to November 2nd, there are the building of alters called ofrendas, decorated with pictures and the favorite foods and beverages of their departed loved ones.

At the art exhibit, not only was the atmosphere filled in light spirits, but it radiated love and projected joy. It was not a tense feeling, or looming of death following me through the museum. There was food, laughter, and close ties showcasing their loved ones through cultured artistic flair. The art was so detailed and beautiful. The alters were decorated to the highest degree. Everything in the museum was colorful and bright. You simply could not even summon the smallest amount of a negative emotion in a space so loud with color. It makes you double take on how you deal with death.

This experience has left a lasting impression on me in the best way. I appreciate the life I live currently, and I want to leave a legacy behind that will celebrate me when I am gone, and not mourn me. I want to leave life feeling as though I lived it in the best way I can, and my loved ones can only think, why cry because she lived, and she lived beautifully.