Today is the Shadow of Tomorrow: Día de los Muertos Exhibition—Opening

Now in its 16th year, the annual Day of the Dead exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center offers one of the most internationally diverse Día de los Muertos celebrations in the United States. Merging traditional Mexican altars with contemporary art installations, the exhibition presents a visually stimulating and superabundant array of perspectives remembering, honoring, and celebrating the dead. Inspired by cherished relationships, current events, and personal and collective histories, more than 25 altars by over 50 participating Día de los Muertos artists build a dense environment of creativity that makes way for meaningful reflection. Chosen by father and son curators René & Rio Yañez, this year’s theme, “Today is the Shadow of Tomorrow,” is a call to respond to institutional racism and violence. The exhibition invites artists and visitors to honor those who have unnecessarily lost their lives and to look toward the future we want to make for ourselves. Today is the Shadow of Tomorrow is dedicated to internationally influential Uruguayan journalist, Eduardo Galeano, and beloved poet-activist of San Francisco’s Mission District, Alfonso Texidor. The exhibition unveiling and artist market, Friday, October 9, 6–9pm, $12–15 sliding scale admission, features music and theatre ensemble Loco Bloco, who will present an opening procession that winds through the exhibit. Loco Bloco’s Brazilian Samba and world music will be accompanied by dancers, rituals, and ceremonies. Poet and performance artist Denise Benavides will host the opening event, performing alongside poet Adrian Arias. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. Learn more about the opening and related events here: http://www.somarts.org/shadowopens/