Together, the Tucson Museum of Art and the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson present three altars created by Ruben Urrea Moreno, Galeria Mitotera, and Sophia Mayorga speak to the continuity of ancestral, ritual, and tradition in contemporary times while honoring the celebration of Día de Muertos.

Ruben Urrea Moreno’s altar was inaugurated at the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson this Tuesday, October 31st and will remain on exhibition until Thursday, November 9, 2023.

 

Altars by Sophia Mayorga and Galeria Mitotera will be displayed at the Tucson Museum of Art from Thursday, November 2nd through Sunday, November 12.

 

The altars across spaces complement one another, while Urrea Moreno’s altar at the Consulate of Mexico will include elements proper of central Mexico traditions, altars at TMA highlight notions related to the Tree of Life and other ancestral imagery:

 

• Sophia Mayorga’s altar is a homage to what existed before her, what exists now, and what will exist in the future with culture, identity, and history as recurring themes.

• Galeria Mitotera’s altar, “El Arbol,” represents our life’s journey here on earth and will be adorned with alebrijes created by Davis Bilingual Elementary Magnet and Imago Dei Middle School. “El Arbol” will also include an invitation to community to contribute their remembrances of loved ones passed

• Ruben Urrea Moreno will display a third altar the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson honoring culture, tradition, and familial bonds from the perspective of the Nahuas culture.

 

The altars will also be united by a common theme – the literary masterpiece of Mexican writer Juan Rulfo, “Pedro Páramo”, and his journey to his hometown of Comala. Both Tucson Museum of Art and the Mexican Consulate in Tucson encourage visitors to identify this symbolism and interact with the story of the main character.

 

The three altars are inscribed in the year-long commemoration of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico.

 

CALL FOR PHOTOS - This year TMA invites community members to submit digital photos of family members, friends, and loved ones who have passed as part of the community Día de los Muertos celebration at the museum.

 

This presentation of photos will be held on Thursday, November 2nd from 5:00 – 8:00 p. m. and on Sunday, November 12, from 11:00 a. m. – 2:00 p. m.

 

If you would like us to include your deceased loved ones, please email photos to: Engagement@TucsonMuseumofArt.org by 5:00 p. m. on Tuesday, October 31st .

 

CELEBRATING DAY OF THE DEAD WITH TMA AND THE CONSULATE OF MEXICO IN TUCSON -

• First Thursday at the Tucson Museum of Art: Honor Dia de los Muertos at the Tucson Museum of Art and experience altars by Sophia Mayorga and Galeria Mitotera. The evening will feature activities around remembrance, a Death Café (registration required), food for purchase from Brujeria Pupuseria, live music from Las Azaleas, and a cash bar serving beer and wine. Date and time: Thursday, November 2 from 5 p. m. – 8 p. m

 

• Second SundAZe at the Tucson Museum of Art: Bring family and friends to the Tucson Museum of Art to celebrate Día de los Muertos and participate in art and gallery activities. Public altars by Sophia Mayorga and Galeria Mitotera will be on view and visitors are invited to create a remembrance of someone special who has passed. In addition, join in on family yoga at 11:30 a. m. or get your face painted from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Date and time: Sunday, November 12 from 10 a. m. – 5:00 p. m.; activities from 11:00 a. m, – 2:00 p. m.

 

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