Artwork In Focus

Cecilia Brunson Projects presents Artwork in Focus, an online series shining a spotlight on key artworks from our gallery artists. 

For this Artwork In Focus, we are pleased to present Sandra Monterroso's mixed media work, Tu Ashé Yemanya. 

Scroll down to find out more.

Image: Monterroso cleansing the coconuts near Havana habour the day after full moon

Created by the same process, Tu Ashé Yemanya was made in parallel to the larger work Monterroso produced for the 2015 Havana Biennial, Pulsera para Yemanya [Bracelet for Yemanya]. 

For the Havana Biennial, Monterroso - whose intention was to work with the theme of water - worked alongside a Guía Santero (a spiritual guide) and the local Cuban community to produce Pulsera para Yemanya.

Image: Offering Pulsera para Yemanya  to the ocean godess, Yemanya, in Havana habour

Following the Yorùbá traditional ritual sequence, Pulsera para Yemaya was hung from a tree for the duration of the Biennial before being cast into the sea by Monterroso and members of the Havana community.

In reconsidering these indigenous religious rituals through her art practice, Monterroso brings deep-rooted indigenous culture and belief out of the margins and into the contemporary canon.