September 25 – November 25, 2013
Reception: October 4, 2013, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Honoring the 10th anniversary of Riverside’s citywide festival organized by Cosme Cordova and Ballet Folklorico of Riverside, RAM is proud to display contemporary artwork inspired by the rich lineage of the ancient Mexican holiday that honors the deceased. The sacred holiday holds Aztec origins from hundreds of years ago and is now celebrated around the world with altars to deceased family and loved ones, handmade crafts, food, dancing, and music. The exhibition at RAM features a variety of contemporary artists whose work interprets the rites and history of the holiday, and includes artists based out of Southern California, Arizona, and Mexico. The work is expressed through diverse mediums, including printmaking, ceramics, textiles, drawing, painting, and original altar assemblages. Participating artists include: Marco Albarran, Cosme Cordova, Jesus Cruz Jr., Agustin Equihua Ortiz, Ruben Galicia, Zarco Guerrero, Kiandra Jimenez, Manny LeGaspe, Oscar Magallanes, Adam Maron, Teodor Martin Dumitrescu, Antonio Pelayo, Carlos Puma, Rachel Murillo, Dirk Shultz, and Maggie Tello Case.
Cosme Cordova is the director and curator at Division 9 gallery in Riverside, California. He works as an independent artist and curator and co-founded Riverside’s Dia de Los Muertos festival in 2003. He has curated exhibitions at RAM and has exhibited work at RAM, UCR Sweeney Gallery, and the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, among others. He has founded and organized many annual festivals and events in Riverside, including the Mariachi Festival, “Artnival”, and the monthly Riverside Arts Walk, which he co-founded with Mark Schooley of the Riverside Community Art Association.