1. In Rhetoric of the Object: Material Memory and the Artwork
of Amalia Mesa-Bains, Gonzales says that "artwork is
both cultural commentary and a moment of self-representation. The rhetoric
of objects forms a constellation of meanings that is persuasive in its
attempts to make clear a personal and communal representation of memory
and history" (90). While this is very clearly true for altars, where
else have we seen examples of this in class?
2. In
the "NEA National Heritage Tribute Video: Ofelia Esparza",
Esparza's daughter says that in addition to creating an altar to honor and
remember family members, there's an "oral tradition" passed on
in the process of creating pieces for the altar by sharing stories and
talking about family members (2:14). I thought that this was beautiful and
highlighted the importance of not just the final creation, but the
process. In what ways is the process sometimes just as valuable as the end
product? What are some examples of this in your life?
3. In
the article "Master Altar-Maker Ofelia Esparza: L.A.'s National
Treasure", Esparza says that "one shouldn't consider Día de los Muertos
a holiday because it devalues the tradition and meaning behind it".
Do you agree? Dia de los Muertos is often presented as a celebratory day.
Can you treat it as a holiday while valuing the tradition and meaning
behind it?
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