8
KANSAN.COM
ARTS & CULTURE
+
ZOE LARSON/KANSAN
Three skeleton figures are displayed at the Global Indigenous Art exhibition for Dia de los Muertos.
Exhibit at Spencer Museum of Art celebrates Mexican culture with Dia de los Muertos theme
MYSHA PHELPS
@KansanNews
Upon walking into The Commons in Spooner Hall this Monday, visitors were immediately met with a unique and colorful display of indigenous Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) -themed art.
The exhibition was filled with statues and sets of skeletons decorated in bright, decadent colors. The varied postures and poses of the characters demonstrated a sense of celebration to the spectator. Other pieces depicted simple scenes with skeletons as central characters, with one scene showing a family of skeletons watching television in a living room.
The collection was presented at the Spencer Museum of Art's open house on Global Indigenous Art. The event is part of the museum's At Large programming, which aims to teach the public about different cultures through talks, performances and art displays, according to the museum's website. October's theme is Dia de los Muertos in the hopes of bringing Mexican culture to the Lawrence community.
A good portion of the collection on display at the event was collected during two different trips to Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1995 and 1996. The rest were acquired through museum purchases and individual donations.
Dia de los Muertos is an ancient tradition in Mexico that takes place yearly around Nov. 1. The day coincides with All Saints' Day.
"The Day of the Dead tradition goes back to ancient Mexico and was meant to honor the memory of loved ones that passed away," said Angela Watts, associate collection manager for the Spencer Museum of Art. "It is more of a time of celebration than mourning."
Traditionally, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in the cemeteries.
"Each region has its own tradition but typically families would build up alters and offer up food, drink, and photographs to their loved ones,"
said Casey Mesick, curator of Global Indigenous Art at the Spencer Museum of Art.
"We hope that everyone would come to appreciate the contemporary Mexican culture around the Day of the Dead. We also wanted students to make a connection between the Spencer Museum of Art and the Watkins Museum of History," Mesick said.
A similar event will be held at the Watkins Museum of History from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Edited by Minami Levonowich
ZOE LARSON/KANSAN
The indigenous art pieces for Dia de los Muertos are painted with bright colors and whimsical patterns.
ZOE LARSON/KANSAN
The Spencer Museum of Art's open house featured different Dia de los Muertos art Monday, bringing a glimpse of Mexican culture to Lawrence.
Studios, 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments/townhomes
ZOE LARSON/KANSAN
A skeleton figure plays the saxophone among other Dia de los Muertos art pieces at the art museum.
BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas
Enjoy these advantages:
Competitive Plan Options Keep trusted coverage that suits your budget.
More Freedom
Use our huge provider network, no referrals needed
Excellent Service Count on our reliable, local, award-winning service.
Financial Help
Financial Help You may qualify for payment assistance.
Avoid Even Higher Tax Penalties in 2016 Our BlueCare plans meet all government requirements.
+