Make it stand out

Join SJSU King Library’s Africana, Asian American, Chicano, and Native American (AAACNA) Studies Center for the "Spirits in Color: The Magic of Alebrijes” exhibition that brings these beloved symbols and cultural identity of Mexico.  These surreal figures embody joy, color, and reverence at the heart of this sacred tradition are  associated with Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) as the vibrant guardians and companions to the souls of the departed. 

Inspired by the Alebrijes en San José activation of the giant alebrijes sculptures currently on display downtown at Cesar Chavez Plaza, we bring the personal art of alebrijes. These pieces of art come from personal collections and those of folklore creators and vendors of alebrijes from Arrazola, Oaxaca.

Our thanks to Alma & Saul Aragón and Martha Santiago, from Arrazola, Oaxaca for allowing us to include items from their retail collection; local cultural and folklore artist Mary Jane Solis for her personal and retail collection; Tyrone “Malow” Diaz for sharing his photos with us; and finally, to AAACNA Advisory Board member Prof. Julia Curry and Librarian Kathryn Blackmer Reyes for their personal collections to the display. Our thanks also to the San Jose Jazz for sharing the promotion posters of the downtown exhibit. We encourage all to go see both of these amazing exhibits!

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