“As a Black queer woman living inside a world that is constantly trying to kill me…”
“Respite, Reprieve, and Healing: An Evening of Cleansing” was Patrisse’s 2019 thesis solo show. Elements of performance, live music, sculpture, and improvisation is the artistic foundation of this piece. Patrisse states, “I’m tired, and I’ve been tired for a very long time.”
When thirteen Black performers said yes to being part of her piece, “Hair Wash”, she felt nothing but gratitude. “Black hair is sacred. We don’t let anyone touch our crowns,” says Cullors.
Brianna Mims held the kind of space and gentleness required as the hair washer. Each person was a magic portal into the world of the diaspora. They used honey and coconut milk and salt to set the intention. To hold the container. And the rope. The rope ties their Ori together. One hive mind. Healing together.
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Giovanni Solis
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- Credit: Vivien Killilea
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- Credit: Alex Dorriz
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- Image: Giovanni Solis
