AURORA | The Denver Public Library will exhibit new sculptures to celebrate Dia de Muertos Recuerdos and honor Chicano culture.
Starting this Saturday, the library will begin a nine-month exhibition of six paper mache sculptures created by Mexican artist Carlos Lecanda. The exhibit is titled “Las Catrinas”, according to a press statement from Metro State University University of Denver. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The university collaborated with the Chicano Humanities Art Council and the Community Library in Ketchum Idaho to bring the exhibit to Colorado.
“We are so honored to bring this stunning collection to Denver. Carlos Lecanda is a master and this is the first time we have been able to host an international art exhibition in Denver. Each of his Catrinas has its own story, energy, and fashion style that represents different aspects of Mexican traditions,” Brenda Gurule, executive director of CHAC said in the press statement.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a piece titled “Las Primas.” It’s based on a short story collection by, “award-winning Denver author and MSU Denver alumni, Kali Fajardo-Anstine.” The short story collection is titled “Sabrina and Corina” and was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award.
“We are just thrilled to have “ Las Primas” as the focal point of the exhibition. Kali is a source of great pride for our whole community, not only has she gained international recognition as a writer, she grew up as a CHAC kid and is an MSU Denver alumni. Imagine when young readers and adults walk into the library and see artwork by this famous Mexican artist depicting characters based on her book,” Gurule said in the press statement.
The names of the other sculptures are: La Niña Fresca, La Guapa Orgullosa, Flores de Amore, La Mujer Rosa and La Chara.
“I hope that my art can inspire the community to see the world in a new way and to connect with each other on a deeper level,” said Carlos in the press statement. “I believe that art has the ability to foster empathy, understanding, and connection, and I would love to see my exhibit inspire more conversations and interactions between people of different cultures and backgrounds.”