Denver, CO - The Denver Art Museum (DAM) will present The Skeletal World of José Guadalupe Posada, the 19th-century Mexican artist and lithographer whose illustrations of skeletal figures known as “calaveras” and “catrinas” have become an essential part of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Featuring a select set of Posada’s prints, including many of his most famous calaveras, Skeletal World also includes art that showcases his enduring legacy. Skeletal World will be on view from Oct. 29, 2023, to May 12, 2024, in the museum’s Monfort Gallery on the second level of the Hamilton Building and is included in general admission.
 
Curated by Jorge F. Rivas Pérez, Frederick and Jan Mayer Curator of Latin American Art, the show highlights a treasure in the museum’s deep collections, a gift of Posada’s prints by Denver artist and art history professor Charles Frederick Ramus (1907-1979).
 
“Ramus was a life-long admirer of Posada’s work and amassed a large collection of his prints over the years, making this a rare opportunity to see his work up close,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the DAM. “We look forward to celebrating this artist’s work with our community in conjunction with Día de los Muertos celebrations.”

“You may be familiar with the skeletal figures known as ‘calaveras’ or ‘catrinas’ that are so popular in November, but the artist who made them famous, José Guadalupe Posada, is largely unknown, and we are thrilled to present this show at the museum,” Rivas added. “He was a self-taught artist and illustrator, and this is a must-see for anyone interested in 19th-century Mexican art, history and culture.”

Posada’s lithographs have influenced many Latin American and Latino artists, cartoonists and creators because of the satirical depth and acuteness of their social commentary. As one of the most prolific printmakers in Mexico, Posada used skulls, calaveras and bones to engage in political critiques about everything from social injustice to corruption. One of his most enduring works is La Calavera Catrina, now associated with Día de los Muertos.
 
The Skeletal World of José Guadalupe Posada is organized by the Denver Art Museum. Support is provided by the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
 
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