Maafa Altar a part of the Dia de los Muertos exhibit which opens at Laney College's June Steingart Gallery, Monday, Nov. 3
The June Steingart Gallery presents Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from November 3, 2008 to November 15, 2007. This year's theme is "If The Dead Could Vote" which will explore choices that we make which are political, economic and social. The dead have no interest other than the wellness of all who exist on earth. The Dias de Los Muertos is a celebration and a Meso-American tradition honoring our ancestors and remembering them with our friends, family and community. Part of the celebration to make fun of death and the absurdity of societal norms. This tradition invites all to participate knowing that other traditions are very similar. TaSin Sabir and Neter Aameri have an altar for the ancestors in this show. Please join us for the show and participate in our community altars.
The reception will be held on Monday, November 3, 2008 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. For Additional information, please call the June Steingart Gallery at 510-464-3586 or artgallery@peralta.edu
Though seen as a Mexican tradition, all cultures remember their dead. In African culture the ancestors or egun are said to never leave one's side. It is we who forget them. In Haiti, on November 2, the community recognizes Gede, the loa or spirit of the crossroads between life and death. Decked in purples and black, he is a trickster, Ezili Danto told me in an interview on Wanda's Picks Radio Friday, October 31, 10-10:40 segment of the show. Visit http://www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org
The notion of tricks and treats is an African one. Gede is also the loa of fertility. I thought it interesting that in Haitian traditional compounds, the dead are buried nearby, so that one can greet the ancestor's remains daily--death a part of life.
FET GEDE Senk: Festival of the Ancestors, featuring Portsha Jefferson, Blache Brown & Petit Le Croix, Lee Iyayo Hetelson & friends, and host, Regina Califa Calloway, was Sunday, November 2, at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 14th St., Oakland, CA, 12 noon to 6 p.m. $15-$20 sliding scale. Fet Gede Senk is a national holiday in Haiti. Gede is the Haitian celebration of All Souls Day.
It is a time of both jubilant celebration and a time to fondly remember those who have passed on. For this occasion, please wear Purple, Black and White, the traditional colors for Gede. There will be live Haitian Drumming provided by a special surprise guest flying in from Haiti. For more information: raratoulimen@yahoogroups.com www.myspace.com/raratoulimen
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