IN PERSON

RSVP

Join us for a collage-making workshop focused on the orishas Obatala and Shango, led by artist and santera/curandera Ever Velasquez. Known for her performative, photo-based, and collage works, Velasquez uses the visual language and history of Yoruba religion to explore the legacy of colonialism, spiritual interconnections with Indigenous traditions, and women’s issues. 

Artist Bio

Ever Velasquez is a fully initiated crowned priestess of Obatala in the Lucumi religion. Her work has been presented in group exhibitions in Los Angeles, including Continuum at SoFi Stadium, Raiz at Thinkspace/Tlaloc Studios, Brand Library and Art Center, Charlie James Gallery, Sovern Los Angeles, South Gate Museum; and at the Museum of Museums in Seattle, WA. Velasquez has curated the group shows at Charlie James Gallery; and led zine-making workshops for LAUSD, Self Help Graphics, and the Huntington Library. She is editor of non-profit punk zine Razorcake.

Community Conversations are co-curated with artist and abolitionist Patrisse Cullors, whose installation forms part of the exhibition The House Was Too Small. These dialogues bring together community partners, leaders, artists, and Ifa practitioners to explore and celebrate the orisha divinities who play a vital part in our everyday lives.

This program is funded by the Nissan Foundation and co-sponsored by the Center for Religion and Cities at Morgan State University, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation.