IMNA ARROYO

IROKO

 

Imna Arroyo's IROKO project centers around several interdisciplinary, multimedia installations inspired by the sacred tree of life also known as Iroko to the Yoruba people of West Africa and those of the African Diaspora; Yaxche/Yax te' to the Maya people of Central America and northern South America; Kapok in MalaysiaKapok;  Cotton Tree to the Dakota people of North America ; and La Ceiba in the Caribbean. These cultures have identified this tree through their myths as the first tree of creation and as the essence of reproductive life. It is a home of the gods, goddess, Orishas and deities whose enormous presence links humans both to the world of the ancestors through its roots and the realm of the celestial divinities through its branches.

 

Since 2017, the installations have been displayed in art spaces and museums and incorporates community collaborations and programming.  The IROKO project intends to inspire collaborations between the artists, scholars and members of the community.

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Through the exploration of materials old and new, traditional and innovative technologies this multi media installation uses the Iroko / Kapok / La Ceiba / Cotton Wood tree as an anchor to express the marvelous power of nature, its continuity and resiliency which hold the promise for a sustainable future if nurtured and honored.  

 

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