Remembering those we have lost: Muertos Ofrendas

Lyn Levett, excerpt from Stream Dream, with Muertos Ofrenda by Paraorchestra.

For many of us, 2020 was the year in which we lost friends and loved ones, including a disproportionate number of Disabled artists. Artists missing today include Rob da Noize Temple of Krip Hop Nation, Lyn Levett of Paraorchestra, Lionel M. Macauley of Sign Dance Collective International, Geof Armstrong of Arcadea, Chris Levett of the University of the Atypical, and David Toole of Candoco.

Muerto Ofrenda for Geof Armstrong by Arcadea.

One way to remember the people we are mourning is to display a photograph or other image or representation of them, on an altar or ‘ofrenda’. Part of the autumn Day of the Dead festival (30 October-2 November), Muertos Ofrendas can include butterflies, flowers, lanterns (use battery operated lights), and a decorated frame. The person being honoured may be represented by an image, or in another way. Carnival organisation Callaloo Arts created some inclusive no-cost resources for us if you wish to make your own.

Here we show digital Muertos Ofrendas created by Arcadea, Paraorchestra and Krip Hop Nation to honour their late colleagues and friends. Please contact us if you would like us to add your own.

Rob da Noize Temple, Muertos Ofrenda and performance at the Together! 2014 Disability History Month Festival by Krip Hop Nation.