Mulan Novilla
Staff Writer
Through paintings and full-sized sculptures to colorful ofrendas, or traditional altars, the Ontario Museum of History and Art’s “Dia de los Muertos: Everyday Heroes” exhibit displays Mexican cultural views on life and death through multiple art mediums.
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a traditional celebration of loved ones and ancestors who have died. The Museum takes part by honoring the community’s heroes and showcasing the works of local artists at the exhibit, open through Nov. 12.
“I think these people are called everyday heroes just by living every day, and these days, you are a hero if you make it through,” Rancho Cucamonga resident Phyllis Phelps said.
The Everyday Heroes community altar features people that enriched the Inland Empire’s culture and community.
Hand-drawn portraits and photos of community activist Ada Ann Cooper, Spanish newspaper owner Ignacio Lutero Lopez, and librarian Eleanor Freedman, graced the first ofrenda.
The ofrenda also had candles to help guide the spirits back from the afterlife, pink paper flowers for decoration and conchas, Mexican sweet bread, made of felt to represent the food.
Ofrendas are the focal point of Dia de los Muertos celebrations because they are dedicated to loved ones who are no longer here. Families work together to prepare an ofrenda, stocking the altar with food, keepsakes, photographs, candles and flowers.
“Just learning about their culture through the art is very interesting,” Phelps said. “They (artists) have a totally different outlook about death, and they’re not afraid to talk about it. In my culture, death would be a topic to avoid.”
Phelps said his favorite piece was a larger-than-life sized sculpture, “Delicately Held Together by H.O.P.E.” The sculpture is of a skull-faced woman wearing a traditional Mexican dress decorated with photos of Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, Robin Williams and other famous figures associated with suicide and depression.
“This was an intense project for me to do because of the history of depression and suicide in my family,” artist Jessica Cruz said.
The Native American-Mexican American artist made this sculpture in celebration of her tenth year creating art for the Ontario Museum.
“In Mexican culture, you don’t talk about suicide; it’s swept under the rug” Cruz said. “I have this platform where I can present the issue in a sensitive manner, hopefully creating mental awareness within the community and encouraging others to seek help.”
Many pieces incorporated vibrant colors in their portrayal of death, enriching the viewers’ emotions.
In an acrylic painting called “The Roots,” artist Pinchi Michi portrays a skeleton lying down on a bed of corn holding up the earth in its hands.
“I think of the blood inside as love, and it’s overflowing” exhibit security officer David Herrera said. “The skeleton is laying down on the grass holding up the world. It shows me that no matter how much is going on with the world, love is more than enough to overcome things.”
The museum also displays a sculpture that incorporates the work of children from an ornament decorating contest. “El Arbol de Memorias,” or “The Tree of Memories,” stands in the center of the last gallery, surrounded by hanging ornaments that the kids decorated.
“What’s so nice is that the museum has interaction with the kids, too,” Rancho Cucamonga resident Diana Carls said. “The kids come and they do this, and the museum explains the culture behind it. I just think what they do here is amazing, for free.”
The museum will host a Family Discovery Day from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 4, where families can celebrate Dia de los Muertos together through art workshops, live performances and face painting.
Mulan Novilla can be reached at mulanelite.novilla@laverne.edu.
