Nov 19, 2024
The exhibition Death in Mesoamerica, a selection of 25 photographs from the Michel Zabé Collection, preserved by the Institute of Aesthetic Research (IIE) at UNAM, was inaugurated at Casa Michoacán in Chicago, Illinois.
At the opening ceremony, Guillermo Pulido, director of UNAM Chicago, expressed his satisfaction with the inauguration of this exhibition, which not only celebrates one of Mexico's most important cultural traditions but also reflects UNAM's commitment to bringing the best of its resources to the Mexican community.
He emphasized that "the exhibition once again highlights the work our university’s campuses do to promote culture and academic knowledge, as well as the importance of collaboration between institutions."
For more than 20 years, UNAM's Chicago campus has played a vital role in building connections with diplomatic offices, universities, and community organizations. It has offered programs aimed at supporting Latin American communities in the city, not only through cultural activities but also through initiatives related to health, sustainability, migrant rights, and other topics.
Rubén Chávez, president of the Federation of Michoacán Clubs in Illinois, Maggie Lugo, director of Casa Michoacán, and Maya Piña, director of the Elgin branch of this venue and a key figure in organizing the event, all thanked UNAM for this exhibition, which brings the community closer to the roots of its traditions.
Death in Mesoamerica showcases a stunning selection of photographs by Zabé, a French photographer who lived in Mexico for more than 40 years. His work captures diverse representations of masks, deities, gods, and animals, all essential for understanding these civilizations and the identity and significance of the Day of the Dead celebration in the United States.
The exhibition was curated by Teresa del Rocío González Melchor and Leticia Staines Cícero from the Institute of Aesthetic Research (IIE-UNAM), with significant contributions from Ricardo Alvarado Tapia, coordinator of the "Manuel Toussaint" Photography Archive at IIE.
