Artist Danette Montoya photographed in her studio working on pieces for her installation Las Almas de los Muertos, which was on view at the DAM October 18-November 13, 2016.
This project is mostly inspired by what I see as the spirit of my ancestors, the spirit of many of our ancestors and with that came the idea, the springboard, of Dia de los Muertos and the idea of our own ancestors coming back and visiting us and having that moment and that story in our DNA and in our bones."
— Danette Montoya
In Aztec culture, butterflies represent the souls of the dead. Danette looked to the past to explore identity and remembrance. Encourage your students to explore the idea of looking to the past to inspire what they’re doing today.
Guiding Questions:
- How can you encourage students to remember their ancestors?
- How will you invite discussion around celebration of those who came before us?
- How would you explore what other cultures believe represent the souls of the dead or their ancestors?
- How can you engage students in exploring their own identity through art?
TIP: Create butterfly die cuts to have young children decorate for their ancestors. Turn them into a moving sculpture, mobile, and have them share stories about what they created.
Related Creative Activities
Suit Up!
Using the samurai's suit of armor as an example, think about whether there is an order or a ritual to when you get dressed. Which items are important? Are there certain things you wear that have a purpose?
Connect the Dots
Made in China, by artist Sui Jianguo focuses on China's exportation of goods. Jianguo’s intention is to get viewers to consider who is making a product, where it is going, and why. Keeping that intention in mind, consider how consumerism (something that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts) might affect you personally.
Blanket Story
Marie Watt is a multidisciplinary artist who engages communities in the creation of her work. As a citizen of the Seneca Nation, Watt models her approach on Indigenous ways of sharing knowledge and learning. For this piece, she asked individuals from the local Denver community to contribute a blanket along with its story.
Each/Other Embroidery Activity
Jordan Casteel: Honoring Community Members
