My name is Paloma Dueñas and I am a local Mexican born multidisciplinary artist in Miami for over 20 years. I serve my community as a music therapist, teaching artist and sound practitioner. About 13 years ago I widowed and did a cathartic work through self portrait photography collection and a Dia de los Muerto OFRENDA installation, creative talk and performance.
Every year my OFRENDA installation travels different places. This year, it will be hosted in Dear Eleanor, where I will offer a workshop/performance and a multi sensory covernsation about all the details of this celebration and the elements of the OFRENDA that will teach you how you can honor your transitioned loved ones and ancestors as well.
In my experience as a caregiver of a cancer patient and my perspective as a creative wellness practitioner, we need to talk about death more and reconsider our perspective about the natural cycles of life and and their importance. Give ourselves the safe space to grief and celebrate our transitioned loved ones as well as all the people that have been here before each one of us. Not in a fearful or negative way but in the one my Mexican ancestors have shown me.
