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Class in the Spotlight
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Art history class observes Day of the Dead
 Students in Marie Timberlake's Latin American Art course created a Day of the Dead altar in Pepe Hall Nov. 2. By Monique Bos Published: Friday, October 26, 2007 Although many Americans enjoy Halloween Oct. 31, they may not be aware of an important Latin American celebration that occurs two days later. The Day of the Dead, Nov. 2, is celebrated in many areas of Mexico and Central and South America, and typical observances blend pre-Columbian traditions, Spanish Catholic beliefs and contemporary practices to honor the dead. Students in Savannah College of Art and Design art history professor Marie Timberlake’s Latin American Art course are celebrating the Day of the Dead with an altar, which will be unveiled at a reception in Pepe Hall, 212 W. Taylor St., Nov. 1, 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.  “As the Latin American Art class surveys Latin American Art from the pre-Columbian era through the 20th century, the Day of the Dead provides a unique opportunity to study the blending of the beliefs and practices of these diverse cultures into a living tradition,” explained Timberlake. “Families build elaborate altars in their homes to welcome the spirits of recently deceased family members and, after cleaning and decorating family grave sites, an all-night vigil is held in the cemetery by the townspeople. It is a festive, joyous occasion that celebrates and honors their departed relatives.”All students in Timberlake’s class create individual Day of the Dead offerings based on their majors and areas of specialization. As part of their preparation for the assignment, students watched a short film about Chicana artist Carmen Lomas Garza, whom they will study later in the quarter, and her creation of a Day of the Dead altar and installation at Smith College in 1992. Afterward, they discussed her use of bright colors, the techniques she employed to create paper flowers and her incorporation of pyramid shapes into the altar — all of which served as sources of inspiration to them. As a group, the students are collaborating to plan the construction, determine how best to use the allotted space, and contribute decorations. In addition, students this fall decided to bring in photos of deceased loved ones to add a personal touch to the altar. Students in past classes also have created tributes to relatives. Such images are common to Day of the Dead altars, Timberlake said.  “Photographs of deceased relatives and food items are set on the altars, especially the favorite foods of the deceased, such as bottles of cola, fruit and chili peppers,” she explained. “Offerings of specially decorated bread represent the bones of the departed. The altars are also adorned with candles, both paper and real flowers, and crosses constructed of palm fronds. The fronds are symbolic of Palm Sunday and widely distributed to participants in masses on that day.” Other objects traditionally featured on the altars include papier maché skulls, skeletons, paper cutouts, marigolds, candles, toys, games and images of saints. The Day of the Dead altar will remain on display in Pepe Hall through Nov. 8.  |
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