The Day of the Dead is marked differently in different cultures. In Mexico, where artist Fulgencio Lazo is originally from, it is viewed as a celebration to commemorate the lives of deceased loved ones.
Lazo and a group of artists worked together to make an enormous sand painting to mark the Day of the Dead. Using techniques he learned in his hometown of Oaxaca, Lazo is making a painting that stretches across the museum’s lobby floor. It is covered in brightly colored sand, painstakingly laid using sifters, stencils and by simply sprinkling the grains over the intended pattern.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/10/20/2848262/tacoma-art-museum-altars-sand.html
Lazo says that he enjoys spreading his culture along with his sand paintings. Many people have a hard time understanding why the Day of the Dead is so festive in Mexico, but the art helps to explain it.
Displayed along with the sand painting are altars made by local students and groups to honor the deceased. These altars include photos of those who have passed away beside things that the person liked, such as flowers, foods, and pastimes.
Sign up today for a class on assemblage art to better understand all the interesting forms art can take on. For example, artwork doesn’t always have to be represented in paint. The display at the Tacoma Art Museum proves that it can be in any medium. Classes can be easily tailored to explore special areas of interest to the students.