Unit X: Voodoo

When approaching the theme of ‘Superstitions’ my main aim was to stay away from any westernised ideas surrounding this topic. How I arrived at my current theme was purely a result of resolute procrastination and chance.  After an unsuccessful hunt for obscure titles at the MMU library that appeared only on the library search engine, I just so happened to wander into the photography section when I stumbled upon the book ‘Voodoo- Mounted by the Gods’.  Filled with beautiful photographs, the book captures the journey of the Swiss photographer Alberto Venzago that began in 1988 as he documented for 10 years his fascination with the Voodoo culture of Benin. Through this and the accompanying documentary, Venzago sheds light on the mysterious subculture and gives access to the rules and rituals of this world of African Voodoo.

'voodoo is about sorcerers saints demons and tricksters. It’s about the dark powers that made us survive'

The quote above, taken from the accompanying documentary is particularly poignant as the endurance of voodoo culture is attributed to the historical context of the slave trade in Africa, a time in which it was believed to the ‘essence of Mother Africa’.  I think it’s a nice idea that it is the people’s beliefs that allowed them to maintain a sense of identity during such a tragic time. I am intrigued by the value and power that faith can hold for the people who live their lives by it, however bizarre its practices and rituals may be to outsiders.

What also interests me was the use of objects and talismans illustrated in this book. Objects called ‘Gris- Gris’, that do not simply come in the form of dolls as popular culture would have us believe, serve different functions to the holder. Some are a source of healing, whilst others a means of protection against harm. As my practice is based in fashion and textiles, I’m very much interested in continuing to work in a 3D format and so I think that looking at actual objects as a source of inspiration could give me a lot to work with by way of silhouettes to recreate materials to look into and silhouettes to recreate.