Atelier 212 Art Space

01/18/2025

10/19/2024

Medusa, 2009-2010, carved Puerto Rican mahogany (caoba) wood

Medusa's Lament
By Samuel Miles

Oh, cursed gaze that turns all to stone,
Medusa weeps, forever alone.
A monster born from gods' wrath unknown,
Her serpentine locks her only throne.

Once a beauty, now a fearsome sight,
Her heartache echoes through endless night.
A tragic tale of love's cruel blight,
Medusa's tears, a venomous plight.

10/04/2024

Orunla/St. Francis of Assisi, 1985, welded steel, mixed media.

other names: saint(s): orisha of:
Orula, Orunmila, Ifa
St. Francis of Assisi divination, order, strategy

For the Yoruba the sacred corpus of Odu (proverbs and didactic leg- ends) provides the necessary information for living an exemplary life on earth and gaining favor in the “eyes” of God and the orishas. The system of divination (Ifa) is under the realm of the Orunla (also called the Orula and Orunmila). Through the use of the sacred tools of Ifa, a priest of Orunla (a Babalawo, or “Father of the Secrets”) is said to de- termine the cause and cure of a person’s problems.
According to Yoruba oral tradition, Orunla was sent to earth to aid hu- mans in organizing their lives. By consulting the Ifa oracle, an individual could find out which orisha favored him, what existing factors in his life could be used to his advantage, and what he should avoid. In Africa, Babalawos are consulted at specific stages in life, particularly during critical times where specific aid is needed. In the New World the Lu- cumi retained the knowledge and priesthood associated with Ifa and still consult the oracle when deemed necessary.
Orunla is identified with the dedicated and determined Saint Francis of Assisi, who felt obligated to help the poor and those in need. Saint Francis is often portrayed wearing a rope or chain around his waist, visually similar to the Opele or chain of Ifa. He is also depicted in a se- rene setting, amid flowers and birds, which alludes to the same natural harmony Orunla seeks to insure through the wisdom of Ifa.

The colors green and yellow represent both Orula's and Saint Francis of Assisi's frequent depiction in settings of natural beauty, while the inclusion of Orun- mila's, "Ifa" divination board reminds us of what's needed — and not just wanted — in life.

-Cynthia C Turner

10/04/2024

It Kills Me

by

Susan Greaves

10/03/2024

ZEBRA BIRD, papier mâché, acrylic paint, black and white feathers

‘Hope” is the thing with feathers’

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all …

- Emily Dickinson,

10/03/2024

ZEBRA BIRD, pa·pier mâ·ché, acrylic paint, black and white feathers

‘“Hope” is the thing with feathers’.

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all …

- Emily Dickinson,

10/01/2024

Celebrating with artist Linda Goode Bryant and curator Thomas Lax, the winners of the 2024 Brendan Gill Prize for their exhibition, Just Above Midtown: Changing Spaces at The New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

10/01/2024

At Daniel Lind - Ramos PS.1 Exhibition, April 20, 2023

Daniel Lind - Ramos your style evokes so many emotions,
I can’t wait to see what else you’ve been working on.

Photo - Evelyn Rodriguez

09/25/2024

Cicle of friends

In circle of friends, our hearts combine,
A bond that stands the test of time.
With laughter shared and sorrows eased,
Our circle brings a constant peace.

CIRCLE WITH FOUR CORNERS,1978, welded tubular steel

At Ki Smith Gallery, April 6 2024

09/24/2024

OBATALA, 1985, welded steel

other names: saint(s): orisha of:
Orisha’nla
Virgen de las Mercedes, La Purisima Concepcion peace, wisdom, prosperity, longevity
Also referred to as Orish’nla (“the great orisha”), Obatala is one of the oldest and most popular of the Yoruba deities. His name means “King of the White cloth”, white being his favorite and sacred color. He is the orisha of wisdom, logic, longevity, and by following his guidelines his devotees are said to be assured of success and a long life. In the new world Obatala (who has a male and a female aspect) is identified with the Virgen de las Mercedes, mercy and justice being other characteris- tics associated with him.
Like the color of his cloth, Obatala is fond of white foods, like rice, bread and milk, and items made of silver or ivory. Thus, these things are often found in his/her shrine.
As the creator or molder of humankind, the Yoruba refer to him as Baba (Father) and he is respected and honored by his priests as well as devotees of the other orishas.
The crown on Rodriguez's sculpture of “Our Lady of Mercy” alludes to the fig- ure’s royal status, which survives in both the Christian female Virgin manifesta- tion and in that of the male orisha, Obatala. In a reference to the orisha’s male form, Obatala’s title, ”King of the White Cloth”, is symbolized by Abramson's use of that color, which represents longevity and maturity. These concepts are reinforced here by the inclusion of small pieces of cotton symbolizing the Vir- gin’s and the orisha's characteristic compassion and mercy.
Orunla/St. Francis of Assisi.

- Cynthia Turner, 1985