AESTHETICS GLOOM OF
ZozoFest features art inspired by this year’s 1960s theme
For nearly a century, crowds have watched Zozobra burn each year in Santa Fe.
The annual tradition continues to grow.
In the past, seeing the creation of the giant marionette was an exclusive event.
But that’s all changed; the process is now open to the public.
“We wanted to bring the monster back to the community,” says Scott Wiseman, curator of ZozoFest Art Show. “We’ve wanted the community to be involved in this timeless tradition.”
More than 50 artists will be showing their works in the show.
ZozoFest brings hundreds of inspired depictions of Old Man Gloom to one place, where the Old Man’s fans can purchase one-of-a-kind artwork, limited-edition prints, sculptures, photographs, and creative works in a variety of mediums to take home.
Hundreds of drawings created by Santa Fe Public School students will also be on display, showcasing the enduring love for Santa Fe’s oldest grouch.
“When the Kiwanis Club builds Zozobra, we accept that we have to get rid of him,” Wiseman says. “This is his entire purpose, but the artwork created in his likeness gives him a chance to live year-round and to exist as an important element in our history and culture.”
In addition to the art show, there will also be family-friendly events on Saturday, Aug. 25.
Wiseman says there will be face painting by Mommy’s Little Monster, an arts and crafts table, as well as the official Zozobra poster signing.
Guests include DJ Badcat, Jordan
Wax, Monte Davidson, Baile Ilusion and Sol Fire.
“The Santa Fe Fiesta royalty will also be there, as well as a chance to meet the Gloomies,” he says. “There’s plenty of fun for the entire family. It’s also a chance to learn more about the tradition.”
This year’s Zozobra is being taken back in time to the 1960s, which is part of the Zozobra Decades Project.
Wiseman says eventgoers will also be able to stuff their glooms inside Zozobra at the event.
“Since we’ve moved the event to the south side of Santa Fe, the interest has picked up significantly,” he says. “Bringing the event back out to the community has been one of the main goals for us. It’s important to keep the community involved in this tradition.”
Santa Fe artist David Di Janni is the official Zozobra T-shirt artist again this year.
“Most of the time, I am working with clients on logos and graphics to try to capture their vision and ideas. It’s just nice to get away from that and design something for myself once in a while,” Di Janni says. “I was really excited to design something for the 1960s-themed Zozobra, as I knew the ’60s were one of the most significant and inspirational decades in 20th century art.”