GIANT COLOURFUL PAINTED SKULLS FILLS STREETS OF HOUSTON CELEBRATING DAY OF THE DEAD

With Halloween being celebrated and with the Day of the Dead celebration close by, Houston’s Discovery Green Conservancy and Houston First Corporation commissioned 10 seven-foot-tall painted skulls to celebration these two holidays and to kick off the fun seasonal festivities. 

These colourful painted skulls are placed throughout the city’s Discovery Green park and along the Avenida de las Americas. Not only does it bring more colour to the are but these spectacular skulls also form part of a public art installation called Celebración de Vida by urban art collective Mexicráneos. Originally the group was formed to celebrate the Mexican popular and festive culture through one popular festivity, Día de los Muertos, which is one of the country’s richest and most ancient traditions.

Day of the Dead is traditionally a Mexican holiday however, the popularity of this festive celebration has started to cross borders as an expression of Mexican heritage and as a time when families and friends gather to celebrate and remember their loved ones who passed away. Mexicráneos have also presented previous installations in Mexico City, Paris and Lille, France.

However this was the first time the group displayed their installation and shown their work in the United States. Each of the skulls was painted by a different Mexican artist based around themes that portray a certain aspect of Mexican heritage and culture. 

The painted skulls will be on view through November 7, and everyone in the are will have the opportunity to participate in a community altar on November 1, which are created by Houston artist Angel Quesada. During the altar visitors will have the opportunity to leave copies of photos or precious mementos in honour of loved ones.