Whitney Salgado

 

Within the stage of a tiny wooden box, my work explores the long-standing tradition of Dia de los Muertos; where through death we honor, remember and celebrate our ancestors and loved ones that have moved on. This practice of alchemizing grief into a celebration of life and most importantly connection, is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be human and to love deeply. These delicate hand-crafted clay figures and scenes within the shadow boxes explore how nichos can serve as a theatrical memento mori, reminding us of our impermanence through the lens of satire and humor. This series explores themes of love, childhood, sexism, gender-based roles, and the seemingly mundane moments we often take for granted. Some of these works are memories, moments reflecting how powerful our relationships with other people can be and remain a reminder to celebrate and appreciate this life with every breath.