How to Live It Up With Day of the Dead Vibrant Folk Art

Side portrait of a skull with green snakes as hair and a large red flower behind the ear

I cried like a baby during the Pixar movie “Coco” because of the beautiful family story. But through my tears, I was transfixed by the colorful background images on the screen. Set around the annual celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1st and 2nd, it brought to life the vivid celebration that honors deceased loved ones, welcoming their spirits back to Earth for a short reunion. The cultural event blends Indigenous beliefs, Catholicism, and traditional Mexican customs—and its art reflects this fusion of worlds, capturing the joyous and the macabre.

So I was thinking as this year’s celebration starts up in my Hispanic-influenced town of Santa Fe, who are the modern artists making Day of the Dead-inspired art? What I found was as vibrant and exciting as the live events. Check out my findings below and see if you agree.

The Carriage by Brandon Maldonado

A Marriage of Life, Death, and Art

Día de los Muertos art focus on life, remembrance, and humor in the face of mortality. Artists generally use traditional methods  to create a wide variety of objects like papel picado (cut paper decorations), colorful wooden ofrendas (altars), intricately decorated sugar or papier-mâché calaveras (skulls) and iconic ceramic Catrina figures.

La Catrina by Jose Guadalupe Posada

José Guadalupe Posada was one of the first artists to popularize Day of the Dead imagery. His satirical skeleton illustrations, particularly the now iconic “La Catrina,” (above) have inspired Chicano social movements and even Grateful Dead posters. Posada’s “Catrina,” a skeletal woman dressed in European fashion, critiques upper-class Mexican society and the adoption of European customs.  A variety of vibrant “La Catrina” images today capture the humor and macabre of Dia de los Muertos as a symbol of Mexican folk art.

Contemporary Artists Redefining Día de los Muertos Imagery

Modern artist Brandon Maldonado brings fresh perspectives to the traditional symbols. Maldonado’s art is heavily inspired by Día de los Muertos but still challenges us with his surreal, emotionally resonant interpretations. His paintings often feature elongated skeletal figures in modern settings, combining familiar motifs with social commentary, much like Posada, whom he credits as an inspiration. His pieces often capture traditional skeletons dressed in ornate folk dress (think of Frida Kahlo, another of Maldonado’s influences. America country music group Zac Brown Band featured Maldonado’s Our Lady of Merciful Fate on their 2012 album cover.

Although Dia de los Muertos celebrates the dead, David Lozeau brings humor and a sense of life to his modern interpretations. Known for his bold, colorful skeleton characters, Lozeau merges traditional Mexican styles with American folk and tattoo art. His skeletons are animated and engaging, from musicians and dancers to motorcyclists.

Roberto Benavidez, a Mexican-American artist, reinterprets traditional Mexican piñatas into art objects celebrating Día de los Muertos. He crafts three-dimensional, papier-mâché sculptures that go beyond decoration, evoking a sense of reverence and respect for Mexican folk art. Benavidez’s sculptures often depict animals and flowers, invoking the rich symbolism of Día de los Muertos and Indigenous iconography. These piñatas are not meant for hitting!

Day of the Dead as Inspiration and Resilience

The Day of the Dead festivals reflect an enduring cultural pride and resilience. These contemporary expressions honor the artists’ roots while addressing themes of social justice, identity, and the beauty of life’s impermanence. If we aren’t able to attend the November festival,  Día de los Muertos art gives us an opportunity to celebrate life and remember the past while connecting deeply with Mexican traditions.

Have you been to a Dia de los Muertos celebration? Do you have any Day of the Dead images in your home? Leave a comment below!

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