Art and Remembrance: Ancestry and Creativity

As November approaches, many cultures around the world turn to the act of remembrance. This season is marked by days like All Saints’ Day, Día de los Muertos, and Veterans Day, where honoring ancestors, loved ones, and memories becomes a spotlight. Through art, we have a universal language that allows us to explore and preserve these memories, bridging generations and uniting us in shared experiences of loss, heritage, and reverence.

All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is a significant time of reflection in Christian traditions, honoring all saints, known and unknown, who have influenced lives. Additionally, All Saints Day is marked by the Catholic Church as a special feast day and in many churches, it is customary to write the names of their loved ones (to be prayed for) in a book referred to as “book of remembrance.” Across many cultures, this day also extends to remembering family members who have passed, much like Día de los Muertos. On this day, churches and communities often set up candles, icons, and altars—visual and symbolic reminders of those who have impacted us. These artistic expressions of reverence transform churches and homes, with light, color, and symbolism playing essential roles.

Artists have long been inspired by the theme of remembrance, with many using their work to create lasting tributes to those who came before. For instance, Frida Kahlo often infused her portraits with rich symbols from Mexican culture, echoing her personal ties to family and tradition. Her vibrant, haunting imagery not only kept her loved ones’ stories alive but also served as an invitation for viewers to connect with their own histories.

One unique tradition that embodies art and remembrance is Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Originating in Mexico, this holiday is a blend of indigenous and Spanish customs, where families create colorful altars adorned with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and portraits of the departed. These altars, or ofrendas, act as living artworks, where each item has significance—from the marigolds, believed to guide spirits home, to the food offerings symbolizing hospitality. Through these intricate displays, art becomes a celebration of memory, allowing families to feel a continued presence of those who have passed.

Artists around the world have used installations, public murals, and sculptures to commemorate history and pay homage to those no longer with us. Take, for instance, Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. With its reflective black granite surface, it invites viewers to see their own reflections beside the engraved names, creating a powerful interaction between the living and the deceased.

In this way, art is a gentle, lasting form of remembrance, helping us to honor, heal, and carry forward the legacies of those who remain in our hearts.