Iemanja Urbana Alta by Luz Castaneda
Urban Orixás is an artistic and cultural study of the elemental forces of nature as perceived in great urban centers.
The Orixás are archetypal representations of the qualities of earth, air, fire and water.
These forces were first acknowledged in the Yoruba Tradition of Africa and were brought to the Americas where they have become a significant part of many spiritual traditions, including the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda tradition.
Today temples around the world have been established to receive and transmit the messages of the Orixás through shamanic practices. Songs and drumming are unique to this tradition, as they serve as instruments to welcome their presence in our lives.
At this Exhibition Opening, artist Luz Castaneda will present her collection of original paintings and share the knowledge surrounding each of the featured Orixás. She will also share stories of her creative process and describe how she connects with the Orixás daily.
Join us in this interactive opening day, where we’ll learn ways to recognize the Orixás in our daily experiences, and sing their traditional songs to call them into our lives.
*This is a donation based event.
*Prints and postcards will be available for purchase.
Schedule:
7:00pm – 8:30pm – Art Presentation & Songs
8:40pm – 9:30pm – Discussion
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Luz Castaneda, PhD is a Brazilian artist and art curator who has been participating in, and producing, single and collective exhibits in Brazil and United States since 2006. Her unique work reflects the extensive experience she has in bridging science, art and therapy. In 2007, she founded a collective space dedicated to art, therapies and education for peace in the city of Campinas (Brazil) called “Céu Aberto”. Since 2009 Luz has become an avid researcher of the Afro-Brazilian Spiritual Tradition, and developed a series of work dedicated to its expression entitled Herbs and Orixás and Urban Orixás.