MARA LEA BROWN
Día de los Muertos 2024: Bearing Witness
Curated By Rio Yañez & Bridgètt Rex
October 12, 2024 thru November 3, 2024
Now in its 25th year, SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition is one of the most internationally diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States. Founded by beloved San Francisco artist and curator René Yañez, Día de Los Muertos at SOMArts merges traditional altars with contemporary installations, continuing to be a multigenerational gathering of remembrance while affirming the importance of arts & culture in shaping our worlds.
Continuing the legacy of René’s work are co-curators Rio Yañez and Bridgètt Rex who envision a Day of the Dead presentation that celebrates the holiday’s Mexican roots while calling for all cultures around the globe to honor the dead together in solidarity.
As the world watches and responds to the genocide of the Palestinian people, this year’s exhibition theme, Bearing Witness: An Expression of Love, Solidarity, and Justice for the People of Palestine, reflects on the impact of this ongoing trauma on personal, national, and international levels. Participating artists center creation as resistance by mounting traditional and contemporary altar installations that honor, celebrate, and mourn those who have perished in Palestine. In alignment with the tradition of Día de Los Muertos, the exhibition also showcases personal altars dedicated to loved ones who have passed.
The exhibition unveiling and opening reception will be held on Friday, October 11, 6–9PM PST. $15 suggested donation, free entry for youth 16 years old or younger, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Participating Artists
2AM
Adrian Arias
Alicia Cruz
Athena Sabaria and Ariana "AZ" Zhang,
featuring Queer Ancestors Project artists
Becca Rodriguez
Beth Benson and Virdell VonDella
Dania Cabello
David Tafolla
Jos Sances and MECA
La Familia Brown
Mary Jhun
Optimus Volts
Ren Allathkani
Sen Mendez
Susana Aragón
Valeria Olguín and Alfredo Olguín Jr.
Victor-Mario Zaballa
Yaffa AS
Zedekiah Gonsalves–Schild
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La Familia Brown has come together to create an altar titled Massacre of the Innocent. Elizabeth is a performer and visual artist whose music and drawings are emotive and otherworldly. Noah is an engineering student whose 3D artwork reflects passion about the world and how it works. Emma explores textures and patterns in intricate and sensuous creations. Mara continuously reflects on the human experience through her portraiture, sculpture and community installations. Andrew's gesture drawings and explosive paintings convey the intensity and chaos of being.
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