Exhibition explores Day of the Dead
Despite the season, “Memento Mori: Skulls & Bones,” an exhibition opening Saturday at the Huntington Beach Art Center, is not Halloween-inspired or meant to scare.
It’s more aligned with Mexico’s Dia de Los Muertos and its themes of respect for the departed, generational family ties and acceptance of the natural life cycle.
“Memento Mori itself is a classical form,” said Kate Hoffman, the center’s executive director . “When we touch the cultural celebration of the Day of the Dead, it’s not horror. We wanted to avoid any feeling of horror as presented to the community so that it’s respected.”
The exhibit’s more than 70 pieces feature familiar Day of the Dead themes as well as skulls and bones displayed in almost scientific, non-gruesome ways.
Exhibit curator Phil Roberts, a movie poster illustrator and surf artist, came up with the concept about two years ago after being inspired by the popularity of skull art.
“In the surf industry, I’ve been illustrating skulls for clothing designs for more than a decade,” the Newport Beach resident said. “After the use of skulls in that industry kind of ended, it got picked up in the tattoo industry.
“I felt that it had a lot to do with what our country was going through, as far as going through war and constantly seeing images of death in social media and on the news on a regular basis.”
The pieces made by more than 30 artists include a variety of mediums, including sculpture and painting.
Animal skulls and bones are incorporated into some of the works.
Sculptor Laurie Hassold includes small animal jaws and vertebrae — as well as ceramic “bones” — in her three works.
“The skeletal structures of any animal are really inspiring,” said Hassold, who teaches art at Orange Coast and Irvine Valley colleges. “Plants are also inspiring. You could look at the skeletons and plants almost metaphysically, getting down to the bone or truth or something. It’s the essence of what something is.”
The Costa Mesa artist sometimes finds animal bones in the desert that end up in her artwork. Friends give her bones. Someone even delivered an entire human skeleton to her front doorstep.
Hassold said”Memento Mori” highlights the “beauty of life” and what it means to be mortal.
“Our culture tends to be so concerned with youth and staying young,” she said. “There’s no getting out of this alive. We should embrace that and enjoy what we have, as well as remember what’s passed.”
A room in the Art Center will be dedicated to Dia de Los Muertos and include an immersive visitor experience, Roberts said.
Guests are invited to contribute photographs and candles to traditional altars, where they are also welcome to pray.
The exhibit, which runs through Nov. 5, includes a family art day on Oct. 9, when guests can create sugar skull artwork.
A similar event will take place Oct. 29 with the art creations, as well as a screening of the animated feature “The Book of Life” and presentation by director Jorge Gutierrez, who also has colorful paintings in the show.
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If You Go
What: “Memento Mori”
Where: Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., Huntington Beach
When: Tuesdays through Saturdays through Aug. 27 (See website for changing hours)
Cost: Donations accepted
Information: Huntingtonbeachartcenter.org
