FLAGSTAFF — As visitors walked into Flagstaff’s Historic Ice House and strolled down the hallway they were quickly greeted with beautiful yet heart-rending images that lined the corridor. There were mothers clutching photos of their sons or daughters, young women holding photos of their boyfriends, a brother holding images of his two siblings. All had one thing in common. All those pictured had disappeared.
The images were part of the bilingual exhibition “Disappeared: Portraits of Absence, Songs of Resistance,” part of an evening of powerful music and art dedicated to honoring the victims of forced disappearance and the global movements seeking justice, held on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The images were first displayed at the Coconino Center for the Arts and at the NAU Riles building in 2024. During the reception visitors had a chance to view the images up close, read the information, listened to a variety of music and share their thoughts with others gathered at the event. The exhibit, which focuses on the mothers of “disappeared” people in Mexico, was presented by Culture Connection AZ and the Martin-Springer Institute at NAU.
It features the photography of Daniel GM, which captures the devastating impact of forced disappearances in Mexico – a crisis that disproportionately affects women and marginalized communities. Featuring members of the Collective Family of the women and marginalized communities. Featuring members of the Collective Family of the Disappeared Orizaba-Cordoba, these images offer a deeply personal look at loss, resilience, and activism. Curated by Northern Arizona University students under the guidance of Dr. Pedro Gonzalez Corona and Dr. Björn Krondorfer of the Martin-Springer Institute, the exhibition contextualizes the crisis and highlights the women-led movements that continue to demand accountability.
The event also showcasing some of Flagstaff’s most beloved musicians, including MattyZ, The Pocket Limes, Antara and Robbie, Bob Neustadt, LOON, and Wild World Irish Fiddle, among others. The artist performed internationally recognized songs of resistance and protest, as well as original compositions. CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW FOR LARGER VIEWS:
