Nigerian Born Baltimore-based Transdisciplinary Artist, VILLAGER presents ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine – a solo presentation of paintings, sculptures, and site-specific installations inspired by the Yorùbá philosophy of ÀṢẸ, using the polychronic concept of energy and vital life force as a cosmic declaration to embody the divine energies that catalyze our existence. Through this solo exhibition, VILLAGER invites the viewer to embark on a cosmic journey of searching, finding, and embodying – instructing us to explore our inner and outer worlds and re-imagine ourselves as sacred beings, ordained with the power (ÀṢẸ ) to manifest (pà àse) and redefine our existential conditions.

ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine is a reminder that we are indeed divine force incarnate. It commands us to BE divine- to embrace energy as a tangible unit of the existence of the ALL. How will this surrender to the truth of divine potential empower us to evoke, transform, embrace, and embody change? In what ways will this reconfiguration manifest through our beings? How will this reconnection place us in divine harmony with our purpose of being?

ÀṢẸ: Embodying the Divine will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower from October 10 to December 17, 2024. Curated by Kirk Shannon-Butts, BOPA Senior Curator and Public Art and Curation Manager, this solo exhibition is a part of the third volume of the Emerge Baltimore exhibition series, which features local rising artists in the historic galleries of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower.

Please join us for the opening reception and performance (free to public via RSVP) on October 10, 2024 from 6PM – 8PM, sound guided intuitive painting workshop on October 26, 2024 from 1PM – 3PM, and Artist Talk: in conversation with Angela Carroll on November 2, 2024, from 1PM – 3PM.