Days of the Dead photo exhibit

The second and third floors of Odegaard Library will feature an exhibition of hand-painted photographs of the Days of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico, by Bay-area artists Curtis Fukuda and Lissa Jones, beginning Monday, Oct. 18, and running through Friday, Nov. 5. A reception for the artists, with live music and Mexican food, is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, in 220 Odegaard.

Also, from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, and Tuesday, Nov. 2, four films on the Days of the Dead will be screened in 220 Odegaard: “Macario” (noon), “La Ofrenda” (1:30 p.m.), “Ofrenda para las Animas”
(2:30 p.m.) and “Que Viva Mexico” (3:30 p.m.). All films except “Ofrenda” have English subtitles.

Over the past decade artists Jones and Fukuda have collaborated on numerous projects exploring the meaning of ritual, objects and spiritual life in Oaxaca. Their richly colored, hand-painted photographs of Day of the Dead altars are a poignant tribute to the people of Oaxaca.

The Days of the Dead are among Mexico’s most important celebrations. While many Mexicans now celebrate Halloween, they also continue to commemorate their ancestors and deceased on the nights of Oct. 31 (for children who have passed away) and Nov. 1 (for adults). For these nights, Mexicans prepare sumptuous feasts and decorate elaborate home altars; many hold all-night vigils at the graveside, reminiscing about their loved ones. ¶