Helene Ruiz' curation of paintings by various artists explores visual interpretations of the Orisha that represent Yoruba origins of thought and spiritual practice in West Africa as well as its influences and practices in the Americas.

Orisa (Yoruba/Ifa/Nigeria, Benin and Togo), Orisha (Enslaved Yoruba and descedents/Santeria, Lucumi/Caribbean), Orixá (Enslaved Yoruba and descedents/Candomblé/Brazil) are spirits or deities that reflect manifestations of Olódùmarè or God. Meant to consolidate, not contradict the terms of Olódùmarè, they are specific manifestations of the whole of creation.

THE POWER OF THE ORISHA opens in Elegba Folklore Society's Cultural Center, 101 East Broad Street in downtown Richmond, Virginia.
on Friday, October 1 with a public reception beginning at 7pm and in conjunction with the kick-ff of the First Fridays ArtWalk season. Live music reflective of the show's thematic will be featured. This exhibition will run through December 31.

A collective of artists will exhibit contemporary works intended to show tribute to the energy of the Orishas. This artist collective, known as The Urban Individualists, was born from the vision of Helene Ruiz, an artist herself who, until quite recently, resided in Bronx, NY. Her vision was to assemble a group of artists, both visual and performing, into a collective body. This group represents a multicultural network of collaborating individualists cohesively working as a unit.

Says Ruiz, "Art is my passion, religion and salvation. It is my way of surviving and coping. I paint what I feel, when I feel. Although most of my works are considered “surreal” in style, my work is actually my “reality” -- my perception and creative expression of my life, my interpretation of my environment and my interpretation of the lives of others around me. There is no “correct” way to conclude the meaning behind my work as it is meant to reach inside of you and for you to decide how it relates to your soul, your life, your experiences."

Among the Yoruba, Elegba is the Orisa or intercessor who opens the roads, bringing clarity out of confusion. The Society hopes its programs are indeed road-opening experiences.

FIRST FRIDAYS: OCTOBER 1, 2010 7PM-10PM

EXHIBITION: OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 31,, 2010