Another Way of Looking: Honoring Sacred Healing Practices February 29, 2012

Wednesday, February 29th from 6:00PM-8:00PM

Please join us for an event in celebration of "Ceremonias Nocturnas", an exhibition by Bay Area artist, Viva Paredes. At the intersection of mythology, ethno-botany, art, and spirituality, Paredes explores the work and vision of Mexican curandera Maria Sabina, whom Homero Aridjis has called, "the greatest visionary poet of the 20th century in Latin America."

Responding to the appropriation and commercialization of the spiritual practices in curanderismo, Paredes went in search of the authentic voice of this great healer. Accepting that it was her destiny to be "discovered" by outsiders, Sabina knew that their impulse to get high rather than healed diminished the spiritual power of los santos ninos. With this exhibit Paredes pays tribute to Sabina's insights into the sacred.

CIIS faculty members Antonio Ramirez and Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo will co-facilitate a dialogue with Paredes, collaborating poet Naomi Quinones, and community members, linking the exhibition and Maria Sabina's legacy to the larger practice of entheogenics and traditional healing.

A Bay Area native, Viva Paredes studied at California College of the Arts with an emphasis in sculpture. Her art has been included in group exhibitions throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

This exhibition is on view through March 31st on the 3rd floor of the CIIS main building, located at 1453 Mission Street (between 10th and 11th Street).

www.paredesarte.com

Official Website: http://www.ciis.edu/News_and_Events/Event_Calendar/Viva_Paredes_Artist_Reception.html