CELEBRATING DAY OF THE DEAD
Images of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo are the centerpiece of this year's Day of the Dead exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center. Local artist, David Amoroso who has been creating the annual installation since 2003, said this year he was inspired to dedicate the exhibit to Kahlo in honor of the 100th anniversary of her birth. With large paintings and interactive altars (where guests are invited to place items to honor their deceased loved ones), Amoroso delivers a colorful and powerful visual punch.
"I think I feel a personal competition with myself every year to make it better," said Amoroso. The self-taught visual artist said he takes photographs to create the images for his paintings. His fascination with Latino culture and religious iconography is prevalent in his work—one of the paintings has a Mayan death mask on the body of a gang member. Skulls, flowers and candles decorate the altars.
"Death only happens if nobody remembers you," said Amoroso. He added, "That's one of the things I liked about Mexican culture—there's no fear of it, death is just part of the cycle." He explained that his perspective on death changed when his own grandmother passed away: "Everything I learned from her lives on within me."
The Mexican holiday focuses on family and friends gathering to pray and remember loved ones who have died; it occurs in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day (Nov.1) and All Souls' Day (Nov.2). Amoroso noted that for the remembrance ceremony, guests are invited to bring photos or tokens to remember someone who's died and/or to bring a favorite food or drink to place at the altar.
"This is my third year seeing the exhibit and it's my favorite," said Sara Yousefnejad, AAC development and marketing associate. "The kids are absolutely amazed by the aesthetic appeal," she said adding, "Most people immediately recognize that it's associated with Mexican culture." Yousefnejad hinted that there would be a surprise guest attending this year's event.
"David is an amazing asset to the AAC and to the community," said Claire Huschle, executive director of the AAC. Huschle credits Amoroso with bringing together diverse audiences to celebrate an important and meaningful holiday. "What I admire is how he makes everyone who attends the Nov. 1 celebration—performers, artists or guests, feel as though they are part of one big extended family."
The celebration on Nov. 1 will start with a workshop for middle school students from 4 to 6 p.m. where they will learn about the history, tradition and symbolism surrounding the holiday and create a portrait. Then from 6 to 8 p.m. the general public is invited to the festivities, which include a performance by mariachi band, a folkloric dance presentation and traditional foods. This is a free event but reservations are requested.
"Whether Mexican or not visitors to the AAC's "Dia de los Muertos" celebration instantly understand the value of ancestors, family and tradition," said Huschle adding, "And that's in large part due to David's full-throttle efforts."
To learn more, visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org
