10 Giant Painted Skulls Pop Up on the Streets of Houston for Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

All photos by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

Halloween is just a few days away, and following closely on its heels is Day of the Dead. In celebration of these two holidays and to kick off the fun seasonal festivities that accompany them, Houston’s Discovery Green Conservancy and Houston First Corporation have commissioned 10 seven-foot-tall painted skulls. Placed throughout the city’s Discovery Green park and along the Avenida de las Americas, the spectacular skulls form part of a public art installation called Celebración de Vida by urban art collective Mexicráneos. The group was originally formed in order to celebrate Mexican popular culture through Día de los Muertos, which is one of the country’s richest and most ancient traditions.

Each of the skulls was painted by a different Mexican artist based around themes that portray a certain aspect of Mexican heritage and culture. Previous installations by Mexicráneos have been presented in Mexico City; Paris; and Lille, France; but this installation marks the first time these artists have shown their work in the United States. Though Day of the Dead is traditionally a Mexican holiday, its popularity has crossed borders as an expression of Mexican heritage and as a time when families and friends gather to celebrate and remember loved ones who have died.

The painted skulls will be on view through November 7, and if you’re in the Houston area, you can see the stunning artworks in person. There’s no doubt that the sight will be Instagram-worthy, so visitors are encouraged to share their experiences with the hashtags #mexicraneos, #discoverygreen, and #avenidahouston. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a community altar that will take place on November 1. Created by Houston artist Angel Quesada, the altar will be an opportunity for visitors to leave copies of photos or precious mementos in honor of loved ones.

For those who are a bit further away, you can still enjoy the installation virtually. Scroll down to see images of the fantastic painted skulls. To learn more about the Celebración de Vida installation, visit Discovery Green’s website.

10 seven-foot-tall painted skulls line Houston’s Discovery Green for Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“La fiesta (The party)” by Menchaca Studio

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

“Tanta vida (So much life)” by Claret Lany

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

“Colorismo (Colorism)” by Letizilla

The painted skulls form part of a public art installation by Mexicráneos called Celebración de Vida.

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“Nuestro árbol de la vida (Our tree of life)” by Colectivo Huitzillin

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“Introspección (Introspection)” by Cecilia Maafs

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“En recuerdo de una vida plena (In memory of a full life)” by Gurtubay

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“Solidaridad (Solidarity)” by Camila Orleansky

Each one was painted by a different Mexican artist based around themes that portray certain aspects of Mexican heritage and culture.

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“Raíz (Roots)” by Carolina DM

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

“En otra vida (On another life)” by Bellazetin

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull

“Xantolo” by Luz Gamboa

Discovery Green Celebración de Vida by MEXICRÁNEOS

Discovery Green: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Mexicráneos: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Discovery Green.

Related Articles:

Día de los Muertos: How Mexico Celebrates Its Annual “Day of the Dead”

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Build Your Drawing Foundation When You Learn How to Draw a Skull

The History of Halloween: Exploring the Age-Old Origins of the Enchanting Holiday

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