In 2019, variations of these gourds known as calabash in the African diaspora, which exist all over the world, made themselves known to me as the primary materials of a new commissioned installation work.
Indeed, I did not set out to explore the relationship between gendered labor, the quotidian, and the spiritual. Yet here they were. Entanglements exposed:
The Sacred Medicine TheGreatWomb Laundry
Conduit Bowls
Bluing Cosmetics Twinning
Source of Wisdom
Water Bearer
Measuring Device
Libations Belly Portals
Rattle Spoons
Divination
Cooking Foraging Triplets
The wonder in these Kwi formations is enhanced by the organic patina and pigments from natural items that have utilitarian uses in what is associated with women’s work. Such things imbued with colonial histories of extraction are also charged with properties that render them effective ingredients in all kinds of rituals and healing work.
Photo credit: All artwork and photographs are by © Gina Athena Ulysse...