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Los muertos arabesque is a collaborative installation between Dena Al-Adeeb and Rosa Hernandez. los muertos arabesque was exhibited at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts. los muertos arabesque is their interpretation of Iraqi and Mexican altar traditions in honor of the dead. They visually express their similar yet distinct cultural and religious rituals of incorporating death and the dead among the living to shed light upon our shared human experiences.

The suspended Arabesque panels represent the divide between the visible material world and the invisible spiritual realm. The Arabesque panels also symbolize shrines of saints were mourners gather to honor their dead and seek guidance, catharsis and redemption. Three decorated tombs stand within the Arabesque shrine. These tombs carry Sh’ia iconography as well as narratives about ‘Ashura (a Shi’a ritual concerned with commemorating the dead). The hanging lights represent spirits seeking guidance on their journeys. The maze like illuminated structure paves the path to the spiritual realm.

Los Muertos Arabesque
Multi media installation: 2009
Dena Al-Adeeb and Rosa Hernandez

Sculpture Installation; site-specific-variable-sizes