Jacolby Satterwhite

“The following images are documentation stills and photography from my film Avenue B. Avenue B was conceptually derived and inspired by Yoruba Gelede Masquerade in Nigeria. Through extensive research I found their ceremonial practices and sculptural process mirrored my own. Very similar to my practice the Yoruba tradition uses durational performance, ritual , dance, costume and sculpture to celebrate the spirit of the matriarch. In Avenue B I am suspended upside down on a ceremonial ground by a tribe geared in masks and Tyvek suits. They flog me with chroma key blue paint as an act of  erasure, rejuvenation, resurrection and cleansing. The other codifications, symbolisms within the crowns and mask I wear are also pulled from those traditions to intersect with my own contemporary notions on intimacy, endurance and self care.  Our current crisis has re-oriented our POV towards introspection. My method of surviving in adverse times has always been through the act of world building comprised of ritual, self care regimentation, meditation, research and autonomously gaining knowledge. The act of ritual whether it;'s Nigerian  Yoruba Folklore practices or your own custom methods of healing is what we need in a time of isolation. It's time to pause, recollect and come out rejuvenated and powerful.”

Jacolby Satterwhite

All images courtesy of the artist and Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York

Artist’s Website

Mitchell-Innes & Nash

Moran Moran

Jacolby Satterwhite on Pioneer Works

Jacolby Satterwhite on Art21