exhibition
Modern Pagans/Ancient Realms
7/8/2016 - 7/29/2016
"The future has an ancient heart." (Carlo Levi)
Join us this summer for a special exhibition at the Vine Arts Center (VAC) in south Minneapolis.
Contemporary Paganism embraces a mélange of religion, spiritual and magical influences and ancestral connections, both of bloodlines and of spirit. How do such inspirations translate to the present day? Ancient roots and modern influences alike contribute to the practice of Paganism in the contemporary Midwest.
"Modern Pagans/Ancient Realms" surveys local artists' engagement with this ongoing revival of polytheistic, animistic and nature-worshiping religions of pre-modern Europe in a 21st century urban Midwestern environment.
This exhibition presents a spectrum of artistic responses to the spiritual challenges of a polytheistic present, utilizing insights from the realms of the pagan past.
Pictured: "Daughter of Oz" mixed media chair by Rmay Rivard, 32 1/2" x 30" x 27 1/2", 2008.
"Modern Pagans/Ancient Realms"
Location: Vine Arts Center in the Ivy Building, Second Floor
2637 27th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406
612Â-728-Â5745
Gallery Hours during show:
Monday + Thursday: 5:30 -6:45 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Opening Event: 6-10 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2016.
Spoken Word Performance at 8 p.m. by Louis Alemayehu-- poet, musician, activist, educator and community elder. His performances encompass art as ritual, weaving jazz, chant, poetry and song in an incantatory style which creates a sense of sacred space.
Louis will be accompanied by guitarist Joseph Damman.
Panel/Discussion: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016.
We are also honored to announce Louis Alemayehu and Clio Ajana as featured guest panelists in a panel on "Cultural Inspiration versus Appropriation" with a special focus on influences appearing in contemporary Pagan arts. They will be joined by Rmay Rivard and Bonita Blumenauer, and the panel is to lead into a general discussion.
Closing Event: 6-10 p.m., Friday, July 29, 2016.
Harvest Ritual/Performance: General public is welcome, ritual to begin at 8 p.m. (expected duration approximately 45 minutes)
"Modern Pagans/Ancient Realms" closes on a night that is very close to an important Pagan holiday: Lammas, or Lugnasad, typically celebrated on or near August 1.
In pre-modern Celtic societies this holiday represented the first gathering of the harvest in the agricultural year. For modern Pagans it often represents a conscious intention to be mindful of where our food comes from, and the Earth which supports our lives.
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There will also be a "museum shop" set up for the duration of the exhibition, featuring reproductions and other works by participating artists.
All are welcome!
