Skull Beauty

This artwork was inspired by the 2017 movie Coco, a film that beautifully portrays the connection between the living and the departed.

In Coco, young Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's long-standing ban on music. In his quest to prove his talent, he stumbles into the vibrant and mesmerizing Land of the Dead, where he embarks on a journey with the mischievous yet endearing Héctor to uncover the truth about his family's past.

As I watched the film, it stirred memories of our own traditions back in the Philippines during All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day. Families gather in cemeteries, lighting candles and offering prayers, but it’s not a solemn or sorrowful occasion. Instead, it's a celebration—a time to honor and reconnect with those who have passed. Some even bring food and spend the day at the gravesites, sharing stories, laughter, and a deep sense of remembrance. It’s as if, for a brief moment, the boundary between the living and the departed fades, and we are together again.

Now that I live in Canada, I find myself longing for that tradition. Though I can’t visit family graves, I light candles at home during these days, whispering quiet words to the ancestors who came before me. Despite its association with death, this time of year doesn’t feel like an ending—it feels like a continuation, a way of keeping the bonds alive. When we honor the dead with love, memory, and celebration, they never truly leave us.

That’s why I created Skull Beauty the way I did. It’s not meant to be sad or grim—it’s a tribute. A vibrant, intricate sugar skull adorned with bold, swirling patterns and geometric shapes. The lively colors and ornate designs capture the essence of Día de los Muertos—a fusion of remembrance, culture, and artistry. It’s a reminder that death isn’t just about loss; it’s about legacy, connection, and the beauty of keeping memories alive.