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30 x 30 x 30
Selected to be a part of Var Gallery's annual 30 x 30 x 30 exhibition, Salgado was one of 30 artists prompted to create 30 pieces in 30 days. Artists were given the month of January to create all 30 pieces according to their chosen theme. Salgado chose to create a series highlighting nichos. Nichos -sometimes called vitrinias or retablos- are a type of three-dimensional folk art that serve as a reminder of our own mortality or created with the intention of honor others. Though many believe its origins are from the Roman Catholic tradition of honoring patron saints in small wooden or tin altars, this practice also has roots to the religious practices of many indigenous peoples of Mexico, and Central & South America. Nichos are commonly decorated with a variety of scenes ranging from references to religious icons, saints & deities, pop culture, everyday jobs, and mundane activities.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Within the stage of a tiny wooden box, my work explores the long-standing tradition of Dia de los Muertos; where through death we honor, remember and celebrate our ancestors and loved ones that have moved on. This practice of alchemizing grief into a celebration of life and most importantly connection, is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be human and to love deeply.
These delicate hand-crafted clay figures and scenes within the shadow boxes explore how nichos can serve as a theatrical memento mori, reminding us of our impermanence through the lens of satire and humor. This series explores themes of love, childhood, sexism, gender-based roles, and the seemingly mundane moments we often take for granted. Some of these works are memories, moments reflecting how powerful our relationships with other people can be and remain a reminder to celebrate and appreciate this life with every breath.
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