The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is set to unveil a captivating exhibition celebrating the works of the 19th-century Mexican artist and lithographer, José Guadalupe Posada. Titled “The Skeletal World of José Guadalupe Posada,” this exhibition pays homage to the iconic illustrations of skeletal figures, or “calaveras” and “catrinas,” that have become synonymous with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. With a curated selection of Posada’s prints and art that underscores his lasting legacy, the exhibition promises to be a cultural and artistic extravaganza. The Skeletal World will be on view from October 29, 2023, to May 12, 2024, in the museum’s Monfort Gallery on the second level of the Hamilton Building and is included in general admission.
Curated by Jorge F. Rivas Pérez, the Frederick and Jan Mayer Curator of Latin American Art, the exhibition is made possible through a generous gift of Posada’s prints from Denver artist and art history professor Charles Frederick Ramus (1907-1979). Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the DAM, expressed excitement about the rare opportunity to showcase Posada’s work up close and celebrate his contribution to art and culture. Heinrich also noted the exhibition’s perfect timing, coinciding with Día de los Muertos celebrations.
While many are familiar with the iconic skeletal figures, few may know the artist behind them. José Guadalupe Posada, a self-taught artist and illustrator, left an indelible mark on 19th-century Mexican art, history, and culture. His lithographs, known for their satirical social commentary, influenced numerous Latin American and Latino artists, cartoonists, and creators. Posada utilized skulls, calaveras, and bones to engage in poignant political critiques addressing social injustice and corruption. Among his most renowned works is “La Calavera Catrina,” now a symbol inseparable from Día de los Muertos.
“The Skeletal World of José Guadalupe Posada” is organized by the Denver Art Museum and supported by generous donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, as well as residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The exhibition also receives promotional support from 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
For those planning a visit to the Denver Art Museum, detailed information about ticket pricing, public transit options, and access can be found on their website under the “Plan Your Visit” tab. General admission is free every day for museum members, and youth aged 18 and under receive free general admission every day, thanks to the museum’s “Free for Kids” program, which also extends to school and youth group visits.
The Denver Art Museum, an educational nonprofit resource, seeks to ignite creative thinking and expression through transformative experiences with art. By enriching lives and providing a platform for cultural exploration, the museum’s holdings reflect the city and region’s diverse cultures and histories. Its vital work is made possible by the support of metro residents through the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), which funds numerous arts, culture, and scientific organizations in the Denver area.
For more information about the museum and “The Skeletal World of José Guadalupe Posada” exhibition, please visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the captivating world of José Guadalupe Posada’s artistry and legacy at the Denver Art Museum this fall.
