REDWOOD CITY, CA — An illuminated skull celebrating Mexican heritage, remembrance and immigrant resilience is on display in downtown Redwood City through Dec. 18 as part of the city's latest public art installation.
Titled Ofrenda de Luz, the sculpture by artist Aiden Khaleck was unveiled Nov. 8 through a collaboration between the Redwood City Improvement Association and Fung Collaboratives.
The installation draws on the sugar skulls and candles traditionally displayed on Día de los Muertos ofrendas, or altars honoring deceased loved ones. The skull's illumination references the candles used to remember loved ones and guide their spirits back to the living world.
"By allowing light to shine through the skull's designs and onto its surroundings, I wanted to transform the skull into something more than a symbol of death, but rather a beacon of remembrance, hope, and cultural pride," Khaleck told Patch.
Khaleck, who was raised by a Mexican mother and Lao father, said the artwork also reflects the sacrifices and experiences of his immigrant parents.
"Although Ofrenda de Luz is primarily rooted in my Mexican heritage, the meaning behind the artwork extends to my experience as the son of two immigrant parents," he told Patch. "Their sacrifices, hard work, and determination have shaped the opportunities I have today."
The artist said he hopes the sculpture encourages visitors from different backgrounds to reflect on their own families, heritage and the people whose sacrifices helped shape their lives.
The installation also carries a message about cultural visibility at a time when some immigrant communities may feel pressure to hide their identities, Khaleck said.
"Especially during a time when many immigrant communities may feel pressured to hide or make themselves less visible, I want this illuminated skull to represent the opposite: a symbol of presence, pride, and perseverance," he told Patch.
Ofrenda de Luz is part of the downtown Art Kiosk program and will remain on view through Dec. 18.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Redwood City Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.