Monday, October 31, 2016

“A Promise Not to Forget: Dia de los Muertos 2016,” at SOMArts, S.F., through November 5

San Francisco performance artist Guillermo Gómez Peña, poet Maya Chinchilla and Dr. Loco and the Rockin’ Jalapeño Band will take to the stage at the closing reception of “A Promise Not to Forget: Dia de los Muertos 2016.”

Photo courtesy of Rio Yañez

The 17th annual Day of the Dead exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center joins traditional Mexican altars with contemporary art installations. It features approximately 25 altars created by more than 50 artists. Curated by René & Rio Yañez, who are father and son, they chose the theme “A Promise Not to Forget” to honor ancestors and those who have lost their lives to senseless violence.

This year’s exhibition is dedicated to three individuals: Silvia Parra, an activist, poet and musician from San Francisco, Cynthia Wallis, a Bay Area theater director, photographer and the late partner of René Yañez and Martha Rodriguez, a San Francisco visual artist who participated in several of SOMArt’s Dia de los Muertos exhibitions throughout the years. 

Some of the altars and installations on display also honor those killed at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and serve as a tribute to the queer and Latin victims from that tragedy.

Through November 5. Closing reception, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, November 5. Tickets to closing reception: $7-$10 sliding scale admission. http://bit.ly/2dWC5RT

SOMArts, 934 Brannan St., S.F. Noon-7 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday. (415) 863-1414, www.somarts.org

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