SOMArt’s 14th annual Day of the Dead exhibit features dozens of altars made by local artists and revives memories in tribute to the living and the dead.

From Victor Mario Zaballa’s “Casa del espacio-tiempo-memoria,” an altar made with bright papel picado, to Adrian Arias’ “[Soy] Memorias,” which touches on Alzheimer’s—the altars range from traditional to surreal. Arias’ altar is a suspended cocoon-like installation that viewers step into to view collections of memories.

This year’s exhibit honors those affected by cancer, a struggle shared by the father-and-son curator duo, Rene and Rio Yañez. While planning the exhibit, they were shocked with the news of Rene’s cancer diagnosis.

“My Dad…is someone we wanted to recognize, and [cancer] is such a universal thing with so many of the artists who are showing in the space tonight. It’s been amazing to see everyone’s perspective on how cancer has affected us,” said Rio.

Rene, one of the first curators to bring Day of the Dead altars to galleries to the United States. in 1972 at the Galería de la Raza, holds a long legacy in fostering and contributing to the Bay Area art scene.

“One thing I try to do is create community—I feature people from different backgrounds, people from Syria, New Orleans, to China,” said Rene about this year’s exhibit during a short interview that was frequently interrupted by friends giving warm embraces.

Violeta Luna, long-time friend and fellow artist from Mexico, showcased her work in SOMArts soon after she met Rene in 1998.

“One of the things that is really important to me about Rene, apart from creating this precedent of Day of the Dead here, is his work with communities that in some form are considered to be in the periphery and Rene puts them in the center,” said Luna.

In that respect, Rene, in collaboration with many artists, sheds light on cancer by making it the center piece for the Day of the Dead exhibit. This year’s exhibits are dedicated to passing of pioneering Chicano cartoonist Spain Rodriguez and artist, educator Carlos Villa.

East Bay artist Nicole Schach featured a watercolor portrait of her late uncle, Mike, who died of cancer. The portrait is embellished with a white frame that is compiled of various treasures ranging from a firetruck to grapes.

“The little stuff is to remember the abundance and transience of life. The little pieces are compositions that make a whole just like they’re pieces of him,” said Schach.

The alter entitled “Death of a Dream” was created by Arias in honor of Trayvon Martin. As if creating windows to peer from life to death, the altar invites viewers to sit under between mirrors and look up into a larger than life hoodie surrounded by symbolic American flags.

Viewing each artists’ perspective evokes memories, invites reflection and portrays the delicate relationship time has with life and death.

“Part of the Day of the Dead tradition is making offerings and this is a continuation of that,” said Rene.

SOMArt’s Day of the Dead exhibit, both peaceful and stimulating, does not disappoint as viewers not only share and interact with incredibly innovative art, while elevating the bond between life and death.

SOMArts Day of the Dead exhibit will be open until Nov. 9 and is open Tuesday through Friday, 12-7 p.m., and 12-5 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free.

Call 415-863-1414 or see somarts.org for more details.