You know him—Efrén González, the Ajijic artist renowned for creating murals made of clay skull plaques. A prolific painter, he is recognized both locally and internationally for his talent in working with various media.

González also has a knack for thinking outside the box, which will be on full display at his upcoming exhibit at the Centro para la Cultura y las Artes (CCAR) in La Floresta. The show, titled Diálogo con los Muertos, opens on Friday, October 25, at 6 p.m.

Known for his depictions of Mexican village scenes and plein-air landscapes, González takes a different direction in this exhibition, featuring close-up portrayals of approximately 20 well-known local figures who have passed away.

“I’m not a portrait artist,” he admits, expressing his desire to etch these once-familiar faces into the community’s collective memory. His subjects include late artist colleagues Juan Navarro and Katuza (né José Maria Higuera Hernández), baker-musician José Luis “Chelis” Rojas, journalist Javier “El Rojo” García Duarte, Neill James, and his own father, among others.

To engage in a symbolic dialogue with these lost friends, neighbors and family members on the eve of Día de los Muertos, CCAR gallery visitors will pass through the artist’s portal to the netherworld, a curtain adorned with replicas of González’s signature skull plaques.

Following next week’s inauguration, the exhibit, along with its installation art, will remain on display through November 12.