For more than 30 years, Luis Fitch has explored the colors, symbols, and stories of Día de los Muertos through his work as an artist and designer. For our collaboration, we sat down with Luis to talk about the meaning behind the tradition, the iconography that has shaped his work, and the connection between dogs, remembrance, and Día de Muertos.
What is at the heart of Día de los Muertos?
Luis: “It’s about remembering. That’s the whole idea. There’s a saying in Mexico that remembering someone is bringing them back to life. The more you remember someone, the more that person remains alive.”
How has Día de los Muertos influenced your work as an artist?
Luis: “What I’ve done is build a vocabulary and synthesize the symbols of Day of the Dead to a point, and then use it so much that I created, I guess, a style.”
“I was very conscious of creating this toolbox that I can use down to a stamp or a collar…or paintings the size of a mural.”
What is the connection between dogs and Día de los Muertos?
Luis: “The idea is that the dog accompanies the person and helps guide them on their journey. That comes from pre-Hispanic traditions, before the Spanish arrived. It’s an ancient Mexican tradition.”
[Stunt Puppy's full interview with Luis is coming soon!]