Throughout this fall the museum is inviting artists from different disciplines (poetry, performance, and music) to use their mediums to reinterpret the artwork and themes presented in our current exhibition, Bmike Odums: N̶O̶T̶ Supposed 2-Be Here. Released online, these new videos provide an engaging and powerful way to “revisit” the show and its impactful stories. On this occasion, Native New Orleanian Ifátùmínínú Bamgbàlà Ar̀ẹsà – multidisciplinary artist, will present Egúngún Wá which means “Come Ancestors” in Yorùbá. This performance and altar installation is inspired by the stories and themes presented in Bmike’s work. It is a call to the Ancestors of BIPOC New Orleanians asking them to come and help us fight for our city.

This performance features costuming from textile artist Kyoka Akers who was inspired by the Egúngún Masquerade in Yorùbáland, Nigeria and an original composition from sound installation artist Ifádáhùnsi Bamgbàlà Arẹ̀sà. All three artists are under the apprenticeship of Olòyé Ìyánifá Ifáṣèyí Bamgbàlà Olátúnjí-Arèsà, Director of Orí Counseling Services Ifá-Òrìṣà Education, Training & Development Academy. The piece was filmed and edited by Abdul Aziz.

Ifátùmínínú is an ordained and trained Traditional West Afrikan Ifá Priest, thus spirituality is a major theme in her work. She is known for advocating for BIPOC native New Orleanians, helping to preserve the culture of her city and working across the Afrikan diaspora in arts and education. Everything she does is Ancestrally led. You can find out more about her work at www.ifatumininu.com .