José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), "printmaker to the Mexican people," is renowned for political caricature and satire. Yet his most popular images today are calaveras, the artistic representations of skulls and skeletons that are key to the iconography of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Observed annually on Nov. 1 and 2, the holiday is a celebration of the coexistence of the living and the spirits of beloved ancestors.

Posada's influence continues to inspire subsequent generations of artists such as Houston-based photographer Geoff Winningham, who completed an 11-year photographic study of Mexican fiestas, including Día de los Muertos. One of the photographs from the series is featured in the exhibition.

At this Artful Thursday, Geoff Winningham, Lynette S. Audrey Chair in the Humanities and professor of visual and dramatic arts at Rice University, leads a sensory exploration of Día de los Muertos traditions using his luscious color photography.