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Calaveras de Azucar [Sugar Skulls]
Calaveras de Azucar [Sugar Skulls]

Calaveras de Azucar [Sugar Skulls]

Primary (Los Angeles, California, 1951–)
Date1992
MediumScreenprint
DimensionsSheet: 34 1/16 × 25 1/8 in. (86.5 × 63.8 cm)
Image: 34 1/16 × 25 1/8 in. (86.5 × 63.8 cm)
Credit LineBlanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of Gilberto Cárdenas, 2017.589
Rights Statement
Collection AreaPrints and Drawings
Object number2017.589
On View
Not on view
Label Text
Patssi Valdez depicted these brightly hued sugar skulls as party guests, dressed in elaborate jewelry and sipping martinis. During the Day of the Dead, these sweets sit on altars as offerings and are served as a celebratory treat. Valdez’s color choices highlight the revelry of this Latinx version of a Mexican tradition, which was introduced to the L.A. community by Self Help Graphics. Food and vibrant costumes are at the center of this the multi-generational, family holiday.
Exhibitions