CoVIDA: Homage to Victims of the Pandemic
CoVIDA, whose title combines “COVID” with “vida” (meaning “life” in Spanish), honored the people who have passed away from the pandemic, acknowledging the resilience of our community, and recognizing the courage of essential workers still on the front lines. The inhabitants of this historical site have survived through centuries of hardship, enduring displacement, wars, the 9/11 attack, and multiple pandemics. While we reflect on the devastating loss of life occurring now, we look to the future with hope, and celebrate the life that is here and now.
Inspired by memorial traditions from around the world, CoVIDA featured stylized winged figures symbolizing freedom; the cityscape celebrating the healing of our city; and cempasúchitl flowers, papel picado, and ribbons evoking Day of the Dead altars, wish trees, prayer flags and memorial ribbons.
The public was invited to submit names throughout the run of the exhibition virtually, on-site at the museum and Park, at community satellite locations.