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Altar Y Ofrenda, Memory Altar
Identifier:
2005.32.1Description:
This memory shrine (altar y ofrenda) was made by artist José Narezo to commemorate the life of his mother, Petra Narezo. The art installation includes many original items and reproductions from Petra's and Jose's lives. Items include: a miniature sewing machine, toy truck, toy airplane, open cupboard, ladder back chair, woven floor mat, suitcase, letters, photographs, calendar, Day of the Dead feast, skeleton and skull sculptures, vases, artificial marigolds, camera, dominoes set, straw hat, mirror ball ornaments, Votive candles of The Virgen de Guadelupe, artificial Mexican candies, Scrims with photos of Petra and Daniel Narezo, photo blow ups, a painting of Virgen de San Juan de Los Lagos, miniature serape, and other small personal objects. Some of the paper items are reproductions of originals.The following is an excerpt from Narezo's statement on the work: "This family exhibit was created as an ofrenda (offering) in memory of my mother, Petra Narezo. The tradition of honoring the deceased with personal altars is reverently practiced in many areas of Mexico. This ofrenda is composed of mementos from my mother's life--especially the photos and cards from her 'suitcase of dreams'--that celebrate her courageous spirit and enduring hope. These objects represent important key ingredients of a life well lived. This altar is a tribute to finding our center, our cultural roots which were rich with adventure though poor in material things, and our destiny....'It went by like a breath of air'."
The piece was commissioned by the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the Newcomer's Exhibition.
Date:
2005 – 2007Materials:
Mixed MediaDimensions:
96" h 6" w 6" dCurrent Location Status:
On ExhibitCollection Tier:
Tier 1Source:
Gift Of José NarezoExhibits/Programs:
Newcomers: The People of this Place (after 2008)Sister cities ()
Related Entities:
José Narezo (creator)José Narezo was an influential and well known artist, educator and art advocate both locally in Grand Rapids, Michigan and globally. His paintings, mosaics and murals have been widely exhibited and his outstanding talents and service have been frequently recognized including several exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Aquinas College.
The youngest of 12 children, Mr. Narezo was born in Mexico. His family came to the U.S. as migrant workers, a past he reflected in an exhibit he created as part of the "Newcomers" exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Mr. Narezo earned a master's of fine arts degree at Michigan State University. Essentially a painter, he dabbled in other media, including mosaics.
(Source, Obituary, Published in Grand Rapids Press from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2008 and Mlive story posted Dec 18, 2008 https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2008/12/celebrated_local_artist_jose_n.html)
José Narezo (donor)José Narezo was an influential and well known artist, educator and art advocate both locally in Grand Rapids, Michigan and globally. His paintings, mosaics and murals have been widely exhibited and his outstanding talents and service have been frequently recognized including several exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Aquinas College.
The youngest of 12 children, Mr. Narezo was born in Mexico. His family came to the U.S. as migrant workers, a past he reflected in an exhibit he created as part of the "Newcomers" exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Mr. Narezo earned a master's of fine arts degree at Michigan State University. Essentially a painter, he dabbled in other media, including mosaics.
(Source, Obituary, Published in Grand Rapids Press from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2008 and Mlive story posted Dec 18, 2008 https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2008/12/celebrated_local_artist_jose_n.html)