Seattle’s Haunting Arts and Films for Halloween 2023

Seattle’s Halloween festivities are enriched with evocative art exhibitions and classic horror films. Notable events include Hayv Kahraman’s exploration of migration at the Frye Art Museum and a thrilling slate of films through SIFF’s “Scarecrowber”. With layers of meaning, artists encourage viewers to reflect on their own fears and identities as the city celebrates the haunting season.

Seattle is abuzz with intriguing art shows and chilling films this Halloween. A highlight is the Frye Art Museum’s exhibit “Look Me in the Eyes,” showcasing Hayv Kahraman’s emotive works that reflect on migration and identity through unsettling yet captivating imagery. Kahraman’s eyes haunt the canvas, symbolizing the often hidden struggles of refugees, and challenge Eurocentric narratives by blending anthropomorphism with the natural world. Also at the Frye, Mary Ann Peters’ works in “the edge becomes the center” evoke a sense of lurking intensity. These large black-and-white pieces appear to contain deeper mysteries, reflecting on hidden histories and the chaos beneath calm surfaces. One standout piece, “impossible monument: gilded,” is a golden cabinet that reveals secrets only from specific angles, enticing viewers with its allure. The National Nordic Museum features “A Place of Opportunity and Transformation,” closing soon, with immersive installations by Nathalie Djurberg and Hans Berg that juxtapose whimsical animation with darker themes, promising a perplexing experience. Meanwhile, the Roq La Rue Gallery presents “Fantasmagoria,” where artists bring eerie elements of fantasy to life, revealing the unsettling sides of childhood dreams. Troy Gua’s “Beyond” at SAM Gallery meticulously reinterprets famous skulls through a morbidly artistic lens, while Heather Evans Smith’s “Alterations” at Spectrum Gallery captures childhood nostalgia with surreal touches involving fabric and hair. Each piece invites viewers to confront their inner fears and fantasies through imaginative storytelling. Embracing the Halloween spirit, local theaters showcase classic horror films, with SIFF and Scarecrow Video teaming up for “Scarecrowber,” a thrilling lineup featuring iconic horror movies. The Paramount Theater’s silent film screening of “The Phantom of the Opera” will transport audiences back to the 1920s, while Grand Illusion mounts a horror extravaganza alongside screenings of comedy gems like “Young Frankenstein.” Don’t miss the opportunity for playful frights at Central Cinema and The Beacon, where beloved horror films charm and terrify in equal measure. This Halloween season, Seattle’s vibrant arts community reminds us that behind every spooky tale lies a deeper reflection on identity, fear, and the human experience.

The article celebrates the intersection of art and Halloween in Seattle, shining a light on various exhibitions and film screenings that engage with themes of fear, identity, and culture. Artists featured in local galleries use their work to reflect on personal narratives, particularly surrounding migration and historical memory. The piece also highlights the evolving nature of horror films and their role in contemporary culture, offering a blend of escapism and reflection suitable for the spooky season.

In conclusion, Seattle’s art scene this Halloween invites exploration of deep-seated fears and fascinating narratives. Through striking exhibitions and classic horror films, the city fosters a cultural landscape that challenges perceptions while celebrating creativity. As each artwork and film unfolds, they act as portals into the human experience, intertwining the spectral with the real in a captivating dance of art and horror.

Original Source: crosscut.com