UAE | General

Marking 'Day of the Dead' with splashes of colour

Creative talent is in full flow among a group of Mexican artists in Dubai who have organised a unique art exhibition for the country's 'Day of the Dead' ('Dia de los Muertos') celebrations.

  • By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 November 1, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • 'Catrina' is a female skeleton, used to represent the Day of the Dead.
  • Image Credit: Guillermo Munro/Gulf News
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Dubai: Creative talent is in full flow among a group of Mexican artists in Dubai who have organised a unique art exhibition for the country's 'Day of the Dead' ('Dia de los Muertos') celebrations.

Guillermo Munro, Luis Vasquez, Jacob Hernandez, Seyyed De La Llata and Alex Belman, who all work in the design department at Gulf News, formed a collective to pool their creative minds. Nancy Salcido and Jose Toledo will also exhibit their work.

The exhibition is due to start today on the occasion of the Day of the Dead, and is being hosted at the Mexican Consulate in Dubai.

"We realised there was a good concentration of Mexican nationals at Gulf News and we didn't know each other, so a collective group was formed and we then proposed an idea of the art show to the Consulate.

"They were very glad and supportive, and Day of the Dead is a big celebration in Mexico, so it was perfect timing," Guillermo Munro, Senior Infographic Artist, Gulf News, said.

Currently, there are approximately 4,000 Mexican nationals living in Dubai.

The Day of the Dead is observed in Mexico as a way of celebrating mortality and also remembering those who have died.

Luis Vasquez, Information Graphic Artist for Gulf News, said: "The Day of the Dead is a celebration of your mortality. It's not only for people who are dead - it's like you can laugh about your own death. It's good to represent your culture. I think the exhibition will be interesting for other cultures in Dubai."

In accordance with traditions for the celebration, an altar will be erected in the consulate where visitors can place pictures of those who have died, and where a type of bread called 'pan de muerto' will be offered.

Although this is part of the annual celebrations, the altar will be part of the exhibition, as an evolving installation, complementary to the artworks on display.

Photography, paintings and graphic art will comprise the exhibition, including a 'Catrina' installation - an elegantly dressed female skeleton - often used in modern Day of the Dead celebrations. The lady 'Catrina' has been made using grains and rice and will be displayed at the entrance to the Mexican Consulate.

A future in art

Gulf News artists consistently support and lead news pieces and features in the pages of the newspaper with their illustrations and graphic representations.

Munro said: "(Illustrations) always add to a story. I mean the story always carries the visuals, but it helps the reader understand the story quickly."

So what is the creative minds' advice for anyone hoping to become an artist?

"Take the opportunity, and never stop drawing," Vasquez said.

"You have to be focused and practice a lot. Be prepared all the time and imagine the painting you are making. It takes effort to create a good illustration," he said.

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) by 'The Mexican Artists in Dubai' under the patronage of Mexican Consul General in Dubai Francisco Alonso, will be held from November 2-21, Sunday to Thursday 9.30am to 1.30pm.

The opening night will be held today from 6-8pm.

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