Luisé Cisneros Alavez

Queer Quinte: Memory and Celebration

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and white tissue paper, white table cloth, wax fruit, led candles, baskets, picture frames, mirrors, foam-board, and tables. 22 ft x 5 ft x 8 ft

“This installation is inspired by tradition with an intangible Mexican cultural significance that moves between time and space. The performative nature of installing the ofrenda transcends space because it happens in multiple spaces, in public and private, domestic and institutional, individual and communal, national and international. This practice highlights the interconnectivity of the Quinte community remembers loved ones, and creates the practice of art memory. It aims to bring the community of Quinte together to honour and remember its 2SLGBTQ+ members who passed away and the ones who are alive. The temporary aspect of the ofrenda is related to the idea of the ones who pass away but also the ones that we are remembering, which implies the concept of time. This annual resurgence of altars, a tradition passed through generations of family members, conquers time. To create an ofrenda is an act of resilience, survival, commemorative ritualistic memory, and celebration. The performative characteristic of the art installation will be the presence of the public. To reinforce the idea of celebration at the opening reception, the artist will perform the rituals of lighting the candles, adding water to the bowls, and chanting the memorialization of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The ofrenda defies death through the act of remembrance. The altar will honour and remember those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community who have fallen before us and celebrate those who fought for their rights. We remember them as our friends, members of our families, and our community. This installation won the 2024 Craft Ontario Community Award.”