Experience the rich history and iconography of La Catrina through colorful and joyful large-scale skeleton sculptures. Discover 8 eight-foot-tall sculptures created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero placed throughout the Shane Smith Conservatory and Paul Smith Children’s Village. The exhibition is on view from September 17, 2024, to November 16, 2024, Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Depicted as an elegant female skeleton, La Catrina was originally born out of Mexican social satire. In 1913, Mexican artist and illustrator José Guadalupe Posada created the very first version of La Catrina. She was intended as a parody, mocking the high-society European obsessions of Mexican president Porfirio Díaz, whose corruption led to the Mexican Revolution of 1911. La Catrina remains a light-hearted and well-loved part of Mexican culture. Visitors to this exhibition will explore popular La Catrina iconography including Frida Kahlo, Mexican actress Maria Felix, Mictēcacihuātl, the Aztec queen of the underworld, and more. The signage accompanying the sculptures explains the history and context of La Catrina iconography in both Spanish and English.

About the Artist: Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Ricardo Soltero is the set designer for the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States, which takes place annually at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Both a sculptor and a costume designer, Soltero’s projects include works and design for Semblanza Latinoamericana dance and music festival, Metropolitan Fashion Week, UNICEF’s annual gala, and the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

Exhibition organized by Denver Botanic Gardens