Ancestors: Past and Present

Our ancestors defined our start in life by the choices they made. The ancestors also shaped the world we live in now. We are the ancestors of the future generations and our life choices will have a profound effect on those to come.

In Ancestors: Past and Present, the artists present works which honor the ancestors within their heritage or specific cherished family members who have passed to another realm.

Please enjoy these offerings of art and be inspired to make your own offerings in these days to honor your ancestors and your beloved deceased. Whether your traditions include Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or All Saint's Day, remember your ancestors and keep being your best unique self so that the world will always be a place worthy of your descendants.

Artists: Hadi Aghaee, Ever Blanco, Joseph Castle, Sid Veloria, Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo
Please click each image to visit the artist's website.

Hadi Aghaee, Ahura-Mazda, acrylic on canvas, 24x36"

This thousands of years old stone carving depicts Ahura-Mazda, the highest spirit of worship in Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of Persia and the symbol of Iran’s ancestral past which guided Persia through glorious history.

Joseph Castle, Angel of Transfiguration, bronze, 60x50”

These works reference my struggle in dealing with the death of my father and the expectation placed on me to carry on his legacy.

Joseph Castle, The Fall, bronze, 48x24”

Ever Blanco, Cholindo's Wife, silverpoint on linen, 40x50"

The portrait is of my grandmother. She was my mentor and inspiration.

Sid Veloria, Pasiflora, oil on canvas, 36x24"

This piece honors the icon Frida Kahlo. I use symbols to interpret and define what is, as the passion of Frida Kahlo. The thorn-crowned floral necklace symbolizes her beauty as a strong a vibrant woman.

Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo, Tekolotl, acrylic and ink on wooden bowl, 10" height

This work represents the influence of our ancestors, symbolized by the owl, speaking to us from beyond. The figure holds a flowering heart: the goal of the earthly journey blossoming into physical reality. The images are modified from the ancient books of Anahuak, commonly known as the Codex Fejérváry-Mayer and Codex Borgia.

Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo, Connected, acrylic and ink on canvas, 11x11"

This painting shows the connection between life in the present, past, and future as represented by the pregnant women, the skull, and the baby. The connection between their hearts references Frida Kahlo's work and represents the connection between all people, creatures, and beings in the universe.

Curated by Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo