Ofrendas
group exhibition
Day of the Dead Celebration
Curated by Reyes Rodriguez, Director
Tropico de Nopal
Los Angeles, CA
November 1-16, 2003
Artists included: Robert L. Delgado, Alma Lopez, Daniel P. Márquez, Oscar Sanabria, Linda Vallejo
Artist Statement
Linda Vallejo
For several years I created images that define humanity’s fundamental, yet tenuous relationship to the natural world. In opposing portfolios such as The Death of Urban Humanity, the artwork moved from the beauty of nature, to the devastation of life, and the barren complexity of the urban world. My offering for Tropico Nopal’s Day of the Dead 2003, combined these two irreconcilable visions to create a political/ecological image to unite the beauty and tranquility of nature with the violence and carnage of war.
War, Death and Destruction have proven an inevitable aspect of humanity’s presence and legacy. Each day, century after century, mothers and fathers, families, communities, and nations loose yet more young lives through the devastation of war. How can we live a life of peace, balance and beauty in the midst of this horror, grief and loss?
This offering is a reminder of this question and includes drawings in memory of the great Spanish painter Goya and his “Desastres,” tragic images of our many war dead, and finally at its heart, symbols of HOPE in the midst of this war, death and destruction.
HOPE in the Midst of War, Death, and Destruction Installation
Gouache and graphite on linen, manipulated photographs, sand, plastic flowers, and mixed media; 86 x 96 x 36 in.
Hope in the Midst of War, Death and Destruction Tropico Nopal Website Artist statementOfrendas invitation