"Experience 'An Unmasking of Thyself: Overcome Grief, Celebrate Joy,' a transformative communal event presented by Imani Ma'at AnkhmenRa Amen Taylor at The Andy Arts Center, Detroit, MI, which took place on Thursday, April 28th, 2022.
This immersive event featured an interactive installations walk-through, a marketplace showcasing several black-owned businesses, complimentary authentic African cuisine, an engaging performance ritual, and a closing curative conversations talk-back session. Doors opened at 7:00 pm, with the installation walk-through preceding the interactive performance ritual at 8:30 pm.
Admission was free; tickets were secured on Eventbrite. Attendees witnessed live performances, storytelling, and interactive installations by an array of talented artists, including Imani Ma'at AnkhmenRa Amen Taylor, Treasure Anderson, Baba Blair Anderson Halima Casselles, Saba Dahveed Nelson (Founder of the Last Poets), Bryce Detroit, Andrea Het-Heru House, Uri Heru House, Makeda Kumasi, Ifoma Stubbs, and more.
'An Unmasking of Thyself' was an interactive ritual that delved into cultural, emotional, and spiritual layers of masking. Through dance, laughter, tears, and celebration, participants explored this collaborative journey of films, installations, and live performances."
Unmasking Painting Healing Sessions w/ Ifoma Stubbs
"Our sessions with the multitalented artist Ifoma Stubbs became a ritual of self-unveiling, each week gathering in his studio. Around a shared table, friends pondered, 'What are you unmasking today?' These conversations sparked inspiration for Ifoma's paintings as laughter, tears, drumming, dance, and music filled the space.
In this intimate setting, healing and transformation unfolded collectively. The vulnerability and shared journey led to profound artistry—a testament to our collective healing. The art that emerged captured not just our physical forms but the essence of our unmasking. Who could have foreseen that these moments of communal healing would birth such deeply moving creations?"