Yemaya (Installation) By Yasmin Hernandez

When enslaved Africans were stolen from their homelands and brought across the Atlantic in chains, they may have never imagined how their faith, resilience, vision, and hope would be transferred to their children in the Americas.   From Canada to the Southern tip of South America (yes, Argentina has black folks), African descendants have preserved and maintained the traditions of that long lost madre patria, embracing and celebrating Africa’s gifts to the Americas. Yoruba, Kongo, Dahomey, Mandinga, and other African peoples carried not only their memory of home, but the desire for their children and progeny to see home one day.  They carried a share vision, a shared hope.

I'm On My Way (Save a Space for Me) (1995) By Moira Pernambuco

Today, hundreds of Ifa, Lukumi (commonly known as Santeria), and other African religious practitioners gathered on the shore of New York City’s Far Rockaway Beach to honor that connection to “home”, and celebrate the Yoruba orisha, Yemaya.  The divine spirit of the oceans, seas and salt waters- “Mother of Seven”- was fêted with a “drum”, singing, and offerings supplicating her blessings and bounty.  Beyond the religious implications and dimensions of this annual celebration, one of the most powerful and significant aspects for me, is the festival’s potential to garner and harness community, unity, collective power and hope across boundaries of race, culture, and class.  At least for a day. 

Jubilation (1998) By Moira Pernambuco

I think that there is a lesson in this for us all.  In the Latino community, we often forget that the concept of latinidad is not void of limitations (political, and otherwise).  While the peoples of Latin America in the United States (i.e. Latinos) are certainly bound by geographic, linguistic, and cultural traits, the ethnic and racial diversity of Latinos/Latin Americans is not fully reflected within the lines of latinidad.  For African, Indigenous, Asian, Arab, Rom (“gypsy”), and other ethnic and racial groups who fall outside of Euroccentric constructions of latinidad, the term Latino often leaves little room for difference.  When it comes to building alliances with “non-Latinos” we are often limited by this narrow vision of who we are.     

Throughout my life- and across all areas of my work- expanding or creating space for all of our people’s experiences to be honored, celebrated, and respected, is a priority.  Communing with Yemaya today reminded me of why.  Observing the humble sea of black, brown, caramel, and yes, latte faces, I was re-affirmed in my belief that vision, values, and respect (above all) frame the perimeters of community.   

Standing on the shore of Far Rockaway- a beach I might typically avoid when seduced by the prospect of a bluer, calmer Caribbean Sea- I was inspired by the power of Yemaya to create and strengthen the bonds of community across racial, ethnic, cultural, and economic lines.  While there were certainly groups and congregations defined by family or social ties, ultimately, we were all were bound by faith and a collective prayer for peace, unity, progress, and the blessings of the Mother of All.  We were in fact, bound by spirit.   Maferefun Yemaya! Omi-O!

A year after refusing to hand herself over to U.S. authorities Elvira Arellano, a Mexican-born woman working illegally in Chicago was arrested and deported to her native country. At the center of the controversy was Ms. Arellano’s unwillingness to part ways with her eight-year old son Saul who was born in the U.S. The case heightened awareness around immigration, specifically the impact on immigrant families with U.S. born children who because of their age are unable to claim their parents for citizenship. Last August Mrs. Arellano defied the INS authorities by taking refuge with her son at a local church in Chicago shortly after losing her job as a custodian at O’ Hare International Airport. Her case was significant in that it provided us with a very human and emotional lens by which to grapple with immigration. I, myself came here as an immigrant, at a very young age and that experience has forever framed the way I look at my surrounding environment. Hopefully her son will have a supportive network and use this experience as he matures and negotiates his political identity within this nation.

-vee bravo

Full Story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6954639.stm

wouldnt it be great if airlines issued you a paracheute as you enter the plane? 

Yes, technically, I left Puerto Rico and am back here in NYC, at least I think so. As my husband so eloquently put it when he arrived home from work the other day “I’m not back yet”.  So basically my Colombiano partner had the same response to my patria as Nuyorican Poet, Pedro Pietri (que en paz descanse) described when he sang, to the tune of Mi Viejo San Juan:

Becossss,

I’m still in Puerto Rico

Only my body came

My strong spirit remains

Everything’s still de same

Thus, I’ve been laying low since being (physically) “back”.  It’s to recover from my zombie-like state. Guess I’m waiting for my spirit to board a Jet Blue flight and come meet me over here and make me whole again, if that’s possible.  

Among what I left behind, well Yemaya.  Remember that exhibit she had packed her bags for? I’ll report on the African Traditions Symposium, the accompanying exhibition and other Boriken experiences in my next several posts, as they deserve their own.  Just thought I’d pay tribute to Yemaya who unlike me, who will be swimming in the murky greenish, brown waters of Rockaway beach, she is still chillin in sunny Boriken, swimming in its turquoise waters. Wish I were still there with her. 

After 7 years of creating/ exhibiting this very installation, as it’s been requested often, I’m thinking of “retiring” this Yemaya piece and developing another that is more connected to Vieques. More on that later, when the piece comes. 

Here is Yemaya (possibly the last time this installation will be exhibited) en el Museo de la Casa Escuté in Carolina, PR, a beautiful museum en la Plaza. 

For those of you who will be in Puerto Rico before August 10 (the day the show ends), feel free to pay her a visit and check out the other incredible artwork all dedicated to the lovely African Cultural and Spiritual traditions of Puerto Rico and the Diaspora.  Take la carretera no. 3 to Carolina Centro. Casa Escuté is across from the Alcadía. 

Playa Tamarindo and others in Culebra, PR is the place I gathered sea glass, sea stones and conch shells for the altar.

Yaz installing Yemaya

  
Yaz arranging sea offerings

Completed Installation

Me and Yemaya

Lovely architectural details of Casa Escute

Here's a detail of some of those amazing stones that glistened green and blue with the sun in the waters of Playa Tamarindo.  Not quite the same effect indoors, but a stunning sight on a beach of black rocks and white coral.  Anyhow, Yemaya still likes them and is appreciative to have them before her altar……..

 Peace+blessings,
Yaz

My new book "In the Wake of Oya" is finally here!!!!

though it's "OFFICIAL" release is not till August 2nd!!!!….  

you can purchase it early…..online a:

www.gabrielagarciamedina.com

www.myspace.com/gabrielagarciamedina

or….if you live in LA you can go to Imix Books at:

5025 Eaglerock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 257-2512

Some of my 2nd book tour performances are: 

AUGUST SHOWS:

AUGUST 2ND:
Name: A-Womb
Description: A Gathering of poets, musicians and artists coming together to celebrate the sacred feminine in art, music and poetry.
Date: Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
What time: 8pm
Where: Little Ethiopia (Fairfax Blvd/Pico Blvd)
Contact: myspace.com/lynnix
Cost: Free
 

AUGUST 5TH:
Name: Spoken Funk
Description: Comedy and Poetry Weekly Event
Date: Sunday August 5TH, 2007
What time: 8pm (sharp if you wanna make sure you get in!…it gets packed!)
Where: Aqua Lounge: 424 Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Contact: 1866 212 3676
Cost: $10

AUGUST 12TH:
Name: Talking Drum
Description: Feature Performance at Poetry and Music Open Mic
Date: Sunday August 12th, 2007
What time: 8pm
Where: Lost Souls Café: 124 W. 4rth Street. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Contact: 213 617 7006/ findyourself@lostsouls.com
Cost: Free

AUGUST 14TH:
Name: Organic Soul Movement
Description: Feature Performance at Poetry and Music Open Mic
Date: Tuesday, August 14rth 2007
What time: 9pm
Where: Industry Café: 6039 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
Cost: Love Donations

AUGUST 16TH:
Name: Poet’s Jazz House
Description: Featured Artist at open mic in Leimert Park for  poets and musicians
Date: Thursday August 16
What time: 8pm-midnight
Where: Sunny’s Spot: 3349 West 43rd Place, Leimert Park (1 block south of McDonalds), LA, CA 90008
Contact: 323 291 4098
Cost: Free

AUGUST 17TH:
Name: Tia Chucha’s Cultural Café
Descrition: Feature performance at Tia Chucha’s Cultural Café Open Mic.
Date: Friday August 17th, 2007
What time: 8pm
Where: 10258 Foothill Blvd. Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
Contact: 818 896 1489/ info@tiachucha.com
Cost: Free

AUGUST 24RTH:
Name: Student Showcase and Benefit
Description:
Date: August 24rth
What time: 7pm
Where: Art Share LA
Cost: Free

AUGUST 25TH:
Name: Sappho’s Return
Description: Fashion Show and Perfromance
Date: August 25th, 2007
What time: 7:30pm
Where: Gay and Lesbian Center: 1625 Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Contact: 323 993 7400
Cost: TBA

SEPTEMBER SHOWS:

SEPTEMBER 3RD:
Name: Urbane Culture
Description: Feature at the Hottest Open Mic in Ontario, CA
Date: Monday, Sept. 3rd, 2007
What time: 8pm
Where: 223 W. Emporia Street, Ontario, CA 91762
Contact: myspace.com/urbaneculturelounge
Cost: Free

SEPTEMBER 13TH:
Name: KCET’S Annual Latino Heritage Month Gala
Description: Gala/Benefit organized by KCET Television to honor Latinos in the Arts, Education, Business, Social Work, etc.
Date: Thursday September 13th, 2007
What time: 6pm
Where: KCET Television Studios (Sunset Blvd.)
Cost: FREE NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC 

SEPTEMBER 27TH:
Name: A Mic and Dim Lights
Description: Feature at the Hottest Open Mic in Pomona (and the place that I consider my HOME VENUE for Poetry!!!!….my favorite Open Mic in the Country)…also a SPECIAL BIRTHDAY FEATURE!
Date: September 27th, 2007
What time: 9pm
Where: Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center: 300 W. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766
Contact: 909 469 0080
Cost: $3

SEPTEMBER 28TH:
Name: OFFICIAL BOOK RELEASE PARTY FOR “In the Wake of Oya” and GABRIELA GARCIA MEDINA’S 25th BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!
Description: An amazing show, an incredible line-up of artists, a great dj….spoken word, hip hop, salsa and afro-cunab!!!
Date: Friday September 28th, 2007
What time: 8pm (SHARP!!!)
Where: TBA (STAY TUNED FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT!)
Contact: www.myspace.com/gabrielagarciamedina
Cost: FREE

SEPTEMBER 29TH:
Name: Timoi’s Gallery Opening
Description: Graffitti Gallery Opening with live artists, poets, emcees, and more
Date: Saturday September 29th, 2007 (MY BIRTHDAY!)
What time: 7:30pm
Where: 1640 North Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost: Free

OCTOBER SHOWS:

OCTOBER 27TH:
Name: Annual Festival de la Gente
Description: Feature Performance at annual Boyle Heights festival
Date: Saturday, October 27th, 2007
What time: All Day!
Where: 6th Street Bridge (it’s closed off at Downtown and at Boyle Heights and it is filled with stages, vendor booths, art, food and more!
Contact: festivaldelagente.org
Cost: TBA

OCTOBER 28TH:
Name: Annual Festival de la Gente
Description: Feature Performance at annual Boyle Heights festival
Date: Sunday, October 28th, 2007
What time: All Day!
Where: 6th Street Bridge (it’s closed off at Downtown and at Boyle Heights and it is filled with stages, vendor booths, art, food and more!
Contact: festivaldelagente.org
Cost: TBA

STAY TUNED FOR MY OFFICIAL BOOK RELEASE PARTY…AND BIRTHDAY PARTY INFORMATION!!!!…..A BLOG WILL BE POSTED SOON….STAY ALERT AND COME AND CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!…….WITH ART….MUSIC AND LOVE! 

For more information on the book or any of my upcoming events, please feel free to leave a comment and i will get back to you!!!

hope to see you around!!

much love-

gabriela garcia medina