“Olokun for Europa, No. 2,” is a soft sculpture that is part of the series “Olokun of the Galaxy.” Olokun is a Yoruba spirit that governs the deepest part of Earth’s oceans and so governs the souls of Africans thrown into the ocean during the Atlantic Slave Trade. This figure is made of pants pieces, including zippers, and wears jewelry that includes gemstones and a medallion that says “Water is Life” and “Mni Micomi. ”My contemporary Olokun figures carry the souls of African Americans killed by state violence and are water protectors. The series, which includes an original storybook written by me, takes Olokun from his/her earthly home to other planets and celestial bodies that also have water or liquid, such as the Jupiter moon Europa. 30Hx18W.

“Olokun for Europa, No. 2″ will be on exhibit August 4-24, 2017  in the ART OF ENGAGEMENT National Juried Show at Touchstone Gallery, 901 NEW YORK AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON DC 20001. Opening reception August 4, 2017, 6-8:30 PM.