FoV and the Day of the Dead: The Amazing Art of Brandon Maldonado

[sabrinamari]

From the "Muertos" series, which draws on Latino folk art inspired by the Day of the Dead (see a larger, more detailed image here: http://www.brandonmaldonado.com/gallery/ourladyofmercifulfate.shtml)

http://www.brandonmaldonado.com/index.shtml


Here is his image of Venus from the "Mythic Visions" series (FoV participants and Cauldron Keepers, please note the flowering human heart in her hands):




Here is the larger, more detailed image: http://www.brandonmaldonado.com/gallery/birthofvenus.shtml

Comments

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

Whoa! They're intense. You bought the first?

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Yes. Freedom from debt and a careful spending plan grant me the ability to acquire art that really touches me when I find it.

I have to choose very carefully, but I have the freedom to make the choice when it really matters.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

His image of Venus inspires me to make my own art: I love the painting, but most of all, I love the flowering human heart. It sums up so much of what FoV offered us.

I am planning to make a series of "nichos" inspired by this image (see the definition of "nicho" here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicho)

You can a few modern examples here, under the "Art" link. Click on "Glitter Box Shrines 5x7": http://www.johnnysalasart.com/

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking I should totally re-arrange my altar/shrine and give my peeps their own box-type shrines, so having these examples is fantastic :)

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad! I also love the way these examples encourage the use of everyday items like glitter, sequins, rhinestones and stickers to create both beauty and a sense of reverence.

thank you!

[ixtli-awakening.livejournal.com]

my New Moon vow this cycle is to tidy and spruce up my general shrine and set up the family shrine for my mom and grandparents (and, by extension, my entire maternal family). now i have some ideas!

[pagandelight.livejournal.com]

These are beautiful. I'm going to be in Mexico for Día de los Muertos and can't wait to see all the art and festivities!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

WOW! You are so lucky!!!

How wonderful...

[pagandelight.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty psyched. I've seen a lot of the Nichos before in the village we go to. It's all so beautiful. It looks like i may be guest blogging for for the Food Network on the culinary aspects of the festival. Thanks for posting these pics!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Oooo, exciting. Please let us know if you will be sharing your experiences via a Food Network blog.

There is something about profound experiences like loss and spiritual awakening that inspires the desire to create art. Being surrounded by beauty also helps. My trip to Albuquerque also reminded me of how much art enhances everyday life.

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

There was a series on the BBC about religious and social events and the food involved with them, presented by Stefan Gates. In one, he traveled to Mexico and experienced a Quinceañera for a very wealthy teenager, and the Day of the Dead with a very poor family. He found himself having a really profound experience on the Day of the Dead, because he allowed himself to mourn his father in law. He described himself as not religious, but finds it an "indescribably" spiritual experience, and really found himself experiencing the presence of the dead. It was amazing to watch.

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

And here's the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00kv0k6/Feasts_Mexico/

[arielmn.livejournal.com]

Those are stunning! I love Mythos.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Beautiful, eh?

[ludditeauthor.livejournal.com]

Hmm, interesting. Art makes me want to write. I guess words are really my medium.

And I love the Venus! The other piece is a bit Edward Gorey-creepy : )

Thanks for sharing these.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

It makes perfect sense to me that one medium inspires another.