ÀṢẸ: EMBODYING THE DIVINE

solo exhibition by VILLAGER

In Flash of the Spirit, Robert Farris Thompson declares “A thing or a work of art that has ÀṢẸ transcends ordinary questions about its makeup and confinement; it is divine force incarnate”

Nigerian Born Baltimore-based Transdisciplinary Artist, VILLAGER presents ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine- a series of paintings, sculptures, and site-specific installations inspired by the Yorùbá philosophy of ÀṢẸ, using the polychronic concept of energy and vital life force as a cosmic declaration to embody the divine energies that catalyze our existence. Through this solo exhibition, VILLAGER invites the viewer to embark on a cosmic journey of searching, finding, and embodying - instructing us to explore our inner and outer worlds and re-imagine ourselves as sacred beings, ordained with the power (ÀṢẸ) to manifest (pà àse) and redefine our existential conditions. 

ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine is an echo of the vitality of Yorùbá knowledge systems, practices, beliefs, and philosophies as a means for VILLAGER’s knowingness and belonging in the world - a humble reverence to their ancestral heritage, cultural expressions, beliefs, and practices. Using the energetic likeness (àwòrán) of family members, loved ones, and acquaintances, VILLAGER ritually engages their subjects in a spiritual rebirth of consciousness, transporting the subjects, the viewer, and themselves to a dynamic and holistic space where energy is experienced with an intrinsic sensitivity to color and texture. 

Following in the Yorùbá tradition of wood-working, the artist uses acrylic to graft the subjects with vibrational scars of energy potential characterized by weaving-like angular patterns akin to Yorùbá weaved fabrics and Ilé-Ifẹ̀ bronze heads to reimagine and subvert traditional portraiture. The divine potential of the subjects is materially transformed and manifested through the process of scarification, mark-making, and pattern-making to enlighten their character and essential nature (ìwà). Manifested as a portal of gaze and an object of corporality, the cowrie-studded eye (òjú ìnù) is meticulously placed on the physical head (òrì òdè) in place of a physical eye to inform the inner spiritual consciousness and potency (òrì ìnù) of the subjects. This ritual of adornment also pays homage to Èṣù, the Òrìṣà of crossroads, the enforcer of all divine laws who implores us to seek balance and harmony with the ALL. 

ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine is a reminder that we are indeed divine force incarnate. It commands us to BE divine- to embrace energy as a tangible unit of all existence and become one with the source of ALL energy. How will this surrender to the truth of divine potential empower us to evoke, transform, embrace, and embody change? In what ways will this reconfiguration manifest through our beings? How will this reconnection place us in divine harmony with our purpose of being? with our spirit, actions, community, ancestors, nature, and the divine ALL?

exhibition text writtten + composed by VILLAGER

ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower from October 10 to December 17, 2024. ​This solo exhibition is a part of the third volume of the Emerge Baltimore exhibition series designed by Kirk Shannon-Butts, Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts (BOPA) Senior Curator and Public Art and Curation Manager, to feature local rising artists in the historic galleries of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. This project is supported in part by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts  & Maryland State Arts Council.

Please join us for the opening reception and performance ​(Free to the Public – RSVP highly suggested to receive updates and programming details for the exhibition) on October 10, 2024, from 6 PM - 8 PM, sound guided intuitive painting workshop on October 26, 2024, from 1PM - 3PM, and Artist Talk in conversation with Art Historian and Writer, Angela Carroll on November 2, 2024, from 1PM - 3PM.

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email info@vllager.com for all viewings and acquisition inquiries.

"VILLAGER is an essential new talent on the Baltimore Art Movement scene.  Their work excavates history to weave and cultivate a depth of African Diasporic themes, motifs, tales, and heritage into these most modern artworks.  Their paintings emerge from layers upon layers of stories, patterns, and images until they arrive at the perfect picture for the moment.  VILLAGER's work serves as a contemporary artful documentation of diasporic life. Their practice is evolving in such a meaningful way, gently rendering art from African philosophies, Yorùbá culture, and their own creative manifestos. The result is work that is original, engaging, smart, and quite contemporary" says BOPA Senior Curator and Public Art and Curation Manager, Kirk Shannon-Butts.

“By emphasizing the vibrancy of what they believe reflects their sitters' true nature and distinct energetic signature in the world, VILLAGER hopes their paintings remind us all about the power of our interconnected reality; we can heal ourselves and each other by honoring our humanity” says Art Historian and writer, Angela N. Carroll.

This exhibition is supported by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC)