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The traditions of El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead holiday originating in Latin America, are extended and reinterpreted by ten contemporary artists in an upcoming exhibit hosted by The Institute for Community Research. Ancestors: Day of the Dead Celebration is a multi-media, interactive exhibit that gives artistic expression to the ritual of honoring those who have passed on. The exhibit opens Friday, October 24 with a reception from 5 to 8 pm at the Institute’s Jean J. Schensul Community Gallery, 146 Wyllys St., Hartford. In addition to installations, the reception will feature poetry, video, music and dance performances. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
Conceived and curated by Guatemalan visual artist Balam Soto, the exhibit includes work by him and artists Richard McGhee III (Hartford, CT), MargauxMargo (Hartford, CT), Matica Arts (Collinsville, CT), Jennifer Baez (New Haven, CT), Stanwyck Cromwell (Hartford, CT), Marela Zacarias (New Britain, CT), Natalie D. La Chall (Boston, MA), Ed A. La Chall (Vernon, CT), and Raul Rivera (New Haven, CT). “On November 1, the Day of the Dead,” explains Balam, “families and communities throughout Latin America create altars, cook special foods, play music and perform various ceremonies to honor their ancestors. We also see celebrations of ancestors throughout other cultures,” Balam continues, “and the exhibit will pay tribute to these many traditions through the incorporation of visual art, music and performance art.”
The exhibition provides an opportunity for both Latino and non-Latino community members to come together to celebrate and remember loved ones, learn more about these ancient traditions and discover how contemporary artists are re-imagining and re-envisioning Day of the Dead customs in the United States. “The Institute has a long history of presenting the cultural expressions of communities living in Connecticut today,” says Lynne Williamson, Director of ICR’s Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program. “We’re excited to host this exhibit and help make these traditions accessible to a broader audience.”
The exhibit runs through November 21, 2008. The gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, during special weekend events, and by appointment. The Institute for Community Research and the Jean J. Schensul Gallery are ADA accessible. For further information, contact Balam Soto at 860-251-8224 or www.balam.us, or Kim Radda at The Institute for Community Research at 860-278-2044 x285.
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This exhibit is made possible by the Greater Hartford Arts Council through contributors to the United Arts Campaign and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and with the support of The Institute for Community Research, an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts applied research and community enhancement programs to promote equal access to health, education, and cultural resources.
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