Sanctuary, 2023

Media Installation

102x102x80 inches

In many indigenous cultures across the world (African, Native American, Chinese, Indian, etc.), the concept of having a sacred space is very significant to self identity. Spatial navigation is a very very different and anxious experience for people of color,  and feeling safe in public spaces is a luxury that people like myself do not always have. Hence, we turn to sacred spaces, that are not limited to temples, and altars, but can sometimes be found at community centers, a room in a home, or a corner in a room, or an artist’s easel. Sacred spaces are constructed to not only conduct spiritual practices, but also to foster a sense of community and belonging within the people. 

Because of colonization, Sacred spaces from many cultures have been tokenized and presented as a mode of enjoyment and luxury for those who hold societal privilege. Sanctuary decolonizes the idea of sacred spaces by presenting the dichotomy of inner chaos and outer peace. Folks like myself traditionally go into a sacred space (public, or private) with a chaotic and anxious mind, and due to the environment of the space, the mind eventually calms down, leaving the person relaxed.