To Death with a Smile is the theme of an annual poster competition and exhibition in Mexico City, Mexico. The prompt is inspired by Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican holiday celebrating the dead. The Mexican culture celebrates death in stark contrast to the mostly mournful traditions of American culture.
The nesting doll represents the inner pieces of a human, showing that we are all more than just a physical body. The campaign works to combine traditional Russian aesthetics with decorations associated with Dia de los Muertos, to create a cultural fusion. Combining a heavy subject matter with playful illustrations makes for a more light-hearted look at death.
