Artist Andrea Arroyo standing with the wings at the back of the community altar. PHOTO CREDIT: Mariana Otálora Chávez.
During the fall of 2023, SVACE was back in collaboration with the Flatiron NoMad Partnership for their second iteration of Día de Muertos. On November 2, community members flocked to the Flatiron North Plaza to enjoy several elements integral to the historical Mexican tradition. Activities included sugar skull decorating, face painting, and an interactive community altar, presented by SVACE and brought to life by award-winning artist Andrea Arroyo.
Participants photograph their handwritten messages to loved ones passed. PHOTO CREDIT: Mariana Otálora Chávez.
Andrea is an artist working in a wide range of media, including painting, artists books, mixed media, digital art, public art and site-specific installation. During the fall 2023 celebration, participants were invited to honor loved ones who have passed by contributing an offering or message inscribed on paper skulls or gathered ribbons. “It was a really beautiful day!” Andrea noted. “Seeing the altar come to life little by Día de Muertos little as the day progressed was wonderful, and once we opened, witnessing the public interaction gave me a deep sense of connection. To watch so many people in the community being so moved and engaged was the best gift an artist can get.”
Community members writing messages on paper skulls at the SVACE booth. PHOTO CREDIT: Mariana Otálora Chávez.
Andrea’s remarkable design of the community altar featured various fruits, garland arches, candles, papel picado, flowers, succulents, pothos, tin hearts inspired by Mexican Milagro Hearts and sugar skulls. “The driving force behind the altar’s design was to honor and share the richness and complexity of Mexican culture with the NYC community at large, presenting a meaningful celebration that enabled participants to connect to their own ancestors in a memorable shared experience. Additionally, it was important for me to underscore the depth and sacredness of the Día de Muertos tradition,” Andrea said.
The front of the altar packed with offerings and contributions from the public. PHOTO CREDIT: Nivia Hernandez.
She also included a contemporary art piece in the form of a pair of life-sized wings on the back side of the altar, where participants could have an opportunity to take a photo and memorialize the day.
Children posing with the contemporary piece for a photo op. PHOTO CREDIT: Mariana Otálora Chávez.
The 2023 celebration had an additional special moment when evening fell onto the plaza and the altar was lit by the glow of candles. The marigold and cockscomb flowers that adorned the altar were gathered, wrapped and given away to the community, as a final farewell and closing of the day’s celebration.
The altar at sunset with glowing electric candles. PHOTO CREDIT: Nivia Hernandez.
“This project was extremely meaningful and rewarding,” said Andrea, “It showed the immense power of public art and community, and how embracing our humanity at the deepest level is a way to create hope and envision a better world for everyone.”
Learn more about Día de Muertos from Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders (MexCulture), a NYC–based 501(c)3 dedicated to celebrating Mexican culture: https://www.manoamano.nyc/about-the-day-of-the-dead.
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