Ase - intuitive art making workshop inspired by Yoruba cosmology and iconography.

July 17th, 2021
1pm - 3pm

REGISTER HERE

Facilitator: Paula Damasceno, visual artist, MA Library Science and Art History Candidate at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. BFA Photography from The  University of North Carolina at Greensboro. www.pauladama.com

Location: Raleigh City Farm
800 N Blount St,
Raleigh, NC 27604

Parking at Raleigh City Farm: Visitors are encouraged to take an eco-friendly approach by walking or biking. Street parking is available along Blount, Franklin, and Person Streets; watch for restrictions. Please refrain from parking in the Person Street Plaza, since retail neighbors rely on these spaces.

Ase in Yoruba cosmology is a multifaceted concept. In this workshop we will work with the word Ase as in its practical meaning: the energy to make things happen. Participants will find objects - natural or not in the woods -, assemble them and use words to energize them inspired by Yoruba cosmology and iconography.

Using a mini library of African and African Diaspora Art and Cosmology as visual and historical reference, participants will make purposeful 3D objects assembling found materials from the woods surrounding the Hen Institute and assorted provided materials inspired by the iconography of Yoruba/Western African Cosmology. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring any materials from home such as candles, flowers, photographs, fabric, etc.

The Hen carries a great significance within such cosmology being connected to the Earth energy. For this reason, the Hen is used in sacrifices as well. In this workshop we will symbolically use the Hen project, not the animal, to reconnect to Earth energy and honor African cosmologies through art-making.

African religious practices are well known to have accompanied enslaved people in the US, especially in the woods where they could find healing and religious freedom (Fett, 81). In the present days, African cosmology is practiced in the US, most notably in South Carolina, Florida, California, and New York. In addition, North Carolina is a center that receives many Western African emigrants who bring such cosmology with them although not much publicly known. 

During the workshop, participants will be led to use intuitive and mindful methods for gathering and assembling materials, as well for individual and collective reflection. Objects will be documented (photographed) within its natural context. All the documented objects will be exhibited on the The Hen Institute website and in the The Hen monitor.

Hen Institute is committed to providing access and equal opportunity. Please contact us to discuss special accommodations.