arí garcía/Courtesy of Women & Their Work
Webster’s Dictionary defines “spirit” as both an animating principle “held to give life to physical organisms” as well as a “supernatural being.” Both definitions get explored in artist larí garcía’s exhibition, itself inspired by their trip to renowned Spiritualist center La Casa de Las Almas (house of the souls). Their research while at the Puerto Rican landmark uncovered a startling lineage of misogyny undercutting what was also “a refuge primarily for members of the working class and women who felt excluded from the Catholic Church.” Through sculpture and installations produced on-site, garcía examines the discrimination underpinning religious spaces and how, through its discovery, these structures break open. Opening reception is Saturday, July 11. – James Scott
