Gris Gris for the First Wave of the Third Millennium 7
Gris Gris for the First Wave of the Third Millennium
An Installation
I began this project in 2019 as a proposal for a solo exhibition that was to take place at the Hillyer gallery in Washington DC. My proposal was chosen, and the exhibition was to occur in October of 2020. The tentative title for the show was Gris Gris for the First Wave of the Third Millennium. A gris gris is a talisman, that is stuffed with spiritual text. I wanted mine to have not only texts, but spiritual stones and healing plants from various belief systems, that offer protection and inspiration. Upon pondering the future of my people (African Americans), I had ascertained that creating gris gris would be a timely project.
COVID-19 hit, and the show was cancelled. Then Mr. Floyd was murdered. I sat in my dark studio in the quiet trying to grapple with the magnitude of the disease, its consequences, and the numb feeling of having yet another, of my people murdered.
Creating the gris gris was providing me with a sense of joy, even hope…I decided they would be the elements for an expansive installation. I contacted spiritual leaders from many different belief systems and was informed by all that intent was paramount. Some suggested items to include in the works. Each of the pieces have sealed within them, at their backs, medicine to inspire, heal, and protect Black people in the space we occupy. I completed over 111 gris gris, which can be arranged site specifically. Each element was matched and titled with the name of a Black musician, or a tune played by them. After family, friends, and art making, it is the music of my people that sustained me during COVID, and the toxic politics of the day. Over fifty of the gris gris were later installed in a murmuration format, moving through a space as if they were attempting to leave or enter a room. They have received favorable press as part of the exhibition Shoulder the Deed (STABLE Gallery, 2021) and other noted exhibitions.
