Unknown Artist, Day of the Dead Calavera Mask, 1960-1975, papier-mâché, pigment, lace, satin, beads, metal. Collection of the Tucson Museum of Art, Gift of W. F. Scott, from the Estate of James P. Scott. 1982.14.2
Although COVID-19 prevents us from gathering this year for the annual All Souls Procession—a favorite community celebration in Tucson—there are still opportunities to learn about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and honor our departed loved ones.
Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec and other Nahua people, who considered death a natural phase in life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit. Today it is celebrated on November 1-2 in a mashup of ancient religious rites and Christian feasts with festivities full of color and life-affirming joy.
Felipe Gomez, Nicho with Calavera Figures, c. 1976, wood, paper, cotton wool. Collection of the Tucson Museum of Art. Gift of Peter P. Cecere. 2010.1.453
Although a community-wide celebration of Día de los Muertos is a no-go this year, there are other ways to commemorate the day:
Visit TMA
Come stroll through the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American art, Oaxacan Folk Art from the Shepard Barbash and Vicki Ragan Collection, and make sure to see Rachel Slick’s The Bride (pictured below) in Arizona Biennial 2020. Then step across the street to the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum to see Día de los Muertos altars honoring local families, COVID-19 sufferers, pets and veterans.
Participate virtually
Live stream local events organized by Many Mouths, One Stomach (MMOS), the nonprofit arts collective that organizes Tucson’s All Souls Procession.
Watch a documentary
Learn about the history of the holiday and contemporary observances in Día de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead (Artbound, 56 min.). It’s available to view free online.
Get kids involved
The Day of the Dead-inspired animated movie Coco (Pixar, 2017, 105 min.) tells the story of 12-year-old Miguel who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living.
Rachel Slick, The Bride, 2019, mixed media, oil on panel, 36 x 24 in. Currently on view in Arizona Biennial 2020.
Rachel Slick’s statement about The Bride:
Living in the Sonoran Desert borderlands, we occupy a space that permanently walks the edge of magical reality. A true child of the melting pot, my ancestors and art influences can be traced to both the old and new worlds.
My art is inspired by mythic stories of my childhood, archetypes and the creation of story. I explore how archetypes can remain timeless but relate to a modern world.
I have struggled with neuromuscular disease since age 10, causing significant emotional and physical pain. As an attempt to ground my spirit in this body, I attempt through art to ground my spirit. All my works are acts of gratitude.
