Exhibition Opening Celebration: “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” and “Aliza Nisenbaum: Dia de los Muertos”

Event Details

Join us for the opening celebration of “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery! Manuel Álvarez Bravo is sometimes called the father of Mexican photography, but he did not reach the heights of his field on his own. He achieved his place in history through conversations and connections with some of the greatest minds of the 20th century in Mexico and abroad. With over 100 photographs and ephemera, this exhibition illustrates that working with others was a central part of the artist’s creative process.

This event will also celebrate the exhibition, “Aliza Nisenbaum: Día de los Muertos,” open through January 11 in the A. H. Blank Gallery. Last fall, the Art Center invited Nisenbaum to meet with pivotal members of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) committee, learn about the event’s history at the museum, and photograph the 2024 celebration, as part of her two-year term as the Toni and Tim Urban International Artist-in-Residence. Inspired by her visits to the Des Moines Art Center, Nisenbaum created five paintings to commemorate the 25-year history of the Día de los Muertos celebration at the museum.

Bring family and friends to view the artwork, and kick off the evening with complimentary lite bites from The Cheese Shop and desserts from The Tangerine Food Company. Beer and wine available for purchase. Live music provided by DJ Richie Daggers. Remarks from Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO, will take place at 6 pm.

This event is free; registration is not required. This event will be documented with photography.

Support for “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” is provided by:

Jacqueline and Myron Blank Exhibition Fund
Richard L. Deming, M.D.

Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Mexican, 1902 – 2002)
“Caja de visiones (Box of Visions)” (detail), 1931
Gelatin silver print
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Purchased with funds from Craig and Kimberly Shadur, 2024.11
Photo: Rich Sanders