Puro Muerto

So last night, Mr. Short Cake and I went to check out this art exhibit in LA. It was really cool, and here's a bit about it.

Since Day of the Dead follows Halloween, the two experiences have become closely linked in the United States. However, their traditions are distinct. “In Mexico, Dia de Los Muertos mostly involves going to the cemetery to do altars or leave offerings (such as food, sweets or flowers); the art-making aspect is not as active,” said Artemio Rodríguez, one of several Los Angeles artists whose work is featured in the exhibit. “But here in the United States, since we Latinos are far from our homeland, we rely more on art to express the occasion.” Rodriguez mused on Day of the Dead’s growing popularity among Americans. “I think Day of the Dead makes us remember our dead, but at the same time, it also makes us more deeply aware of the fragility of life. And it does this in an artistic way that’s not morbid or based on fear. I think the lesson is to do the best that we can and to be good people because there’s a point where we all have to cross to the other side.”

The exhibit runs through March '07, Getty Gallery-Central Library
For more info: Puro Muerto
Check it out!!