Journies: Art Opening

Welcome to the Green Corner/Rincon Verde www.friendsofbrookpark.org

Featuring “Generations” by Raeford Dwyer, and Devoción by Javier Machado.
With Selected images by Michael Soaries and Harry J. Bubbins.

11 Bruckner Boulevard at Lincoln Avenue The South, South Bronx
(Thanks to Gordon Roth Development Corporation)

A group show presented by Friends of Brook Park and Vamos la Pena.

Opening: Wednesday July 5th, 2006
5:30 PM - 8 : 30 PM

In conjunction with the Bronx Culture Trolley of the Bronx Council on the Arts, www.bronxarts.org

Raeford Dwyer GENERATIONS

Late last year I went with a Peruvian friend, Freddie Arevalo, to visit a Shipibo Indian Shaman living in the upper Amazon Basin. I was to spend a week at his home with his wife, mother, seven daughters and eight grandchildren.

The evenings were spent partaking in a sacred healing ceremony, passed down through generations of Shaman, that begins with the consumption of a medicinal brew called ayahuasca. The combination of the somber atmosphere, the beautiful songs of the Shaman and the vision inducing brew can create the space for (sometimes intense)inner reflection and healing, both mental and physical. The shaman ( known as an ‘ayahuascuero’) grows the plants, collects the ingredients and makes the brew, which usually takes a few days. His family surround him with love and support. Not only are the women responsible for generating the emotional foundation of the ceremony, many of the women including Don Mateo’s wife and mother are artisans involved in the creation of jewelry, embroidered textiles and pottery. His two apprentices are married to two of his daughters. They will keep this sacred healing tradition alive for future generations.

These photographs were taken on the eve of my departure. I am forever grateful to Don Mateo and his family for sharing their home, their food and traditions with me, also much gratitude to Freddie for his loving support throughout an unforgettable journey. For more, visit www.raeford.net/peru

Raeford Dwyer is a Brooklyn based photographer who immigrated to the US from South Africa 16 years ago. He is currently working on a photo documentary about the diminishing artistic and industrial diversity of North Brooklyn. To find out more, go to www.raeford.net







Javier Machado's Devoción

Javier Machado's black and white photo imagery "Devoción", depicts "the festival of San Lázaro" held annually in Cuba on December 17th to pay homage to the beloved Saint. Thousands of the devout go on pilgrimage seeking cures for their illnesses. Many crawl on their knees with bricks tied to their feet, others bring offerings, including gifts of flowers in hopes of their requests and prayers to come true. San Lázaro is attributed both as the healer saint and as an African divinity; compared to Babal-Aye, orisha de Yoruba.

Javier Machado was born in Velasco, Holguin, Cuba in 1976 and moved to Havana in the early 1990s. His goal as a photographer is to be a visual orator and to fabricate social and biographical discourses with images. Machado has exhibited his work throughout Cuba. Most recently, his photography was part of a group exhibition "H20: Imaginations Matrix" which has traveled throughout the United States. Machado has resided in the United States since May of 2003, but keeps in close touch with his homeland. http://www.geocities.com/ajaviml1/index.html.



Michael Soarie’s From Mexico to Sur de Bronx

Michael documents his quests and journeys across space and time. From his participation in a tradition Native American Vision Quest ceremony in Mexico, to indigenous cultural activities in the South Bronx, his images are arresting in their simplicity. Michael Soaries is a photographer, poet and designer. He has been featured from Brooklyn to the Bronx. He melds his various talents into online web design for numerous entities. He can be reached through www.peacepolepeople.org



Harry J. Bubbins’ Down By the Rivers

Harry has been documenting his experiences in the South Bronx as an environmental activist and educator for over a decade. His appreciation for the spiritual healing powers of water inspires his advocacy and art. The images selected for this exhibition include the Bronx, East and Harlem Rivers as well as the Bronx Kill. Like Brecht he believes that, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." Harry J. Bubbins is the Director of www.friendsofbrookpark.org.





By purchasing the art in this exhibition you are supporting the artist and this important space.
Thank you.