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HistoryMiami Museum has announced its newest exhibition, “SANCTUARY: Our Sacred Place,” opening Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m.
This captivating exhibition by Little Haiti photographer Woosler Delisfort delves into the spiritual origins of Miami’s Indigenous, African and Caribbean communities by capturing moments of divine connection in temples, churches, and mosques. The more than 100-pieces that make up the exhibition highlight how these cultures are harnessing sacred spaces in Miami as vital sources of empowerment, both politically and spiritually.
“I felt the way religion in the Black community is commonly portrayed is inaccurate – “Sanctuary: Our Sacred Place” is my way of broadening the perspective,” said Woosler Delisfort, the inaugural recipient of the HistoryMiami Museum photography fellowship for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Latinx artists. “This is an essay about my spiritual journey and the ways in which communities create and preserve spaces to offer self-affirmation, unity, and transcendence.”
Co-curated by Ireọlá Ọláifá and Marie Vickles, “SANCTUARY” promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of Miami’s spiritual heritage, elevated with musical selections and altars that bring the experience to life.
“It is an honor to support Woosler’s vision as curator of this exhibit,” said Marie Vickles.
“Through his images, audiences will feel a personal connection intended to remind them of their own stories or introduce them to new ones. The experience of ‘SANCTUARY’ eloquently shares the living and connected histories of Miami’s Indigenous, African, and Caribbean communities and hits home the importance of our local arts connection to South Florida’s past and present.”
The exhibition opening night event is complimentary with advanced registration and will feature an indigenous ceremony by Ameyal Mexican Cultural Academy, tantalizing spirituals by Hued Songs, drinks and light bites. Tickets are limited. RSVP to https://historymiami.org/event/sanctuary-opening-night-reception/.
The exhibition follows Woosler’s fellowship with HistoryMiami. Presented by the museum’s Center for Photography, the fellowship supports emerging documentary photographers who capture and amplify local stories, particularly those related to BIPOC and Latinx members of the community.
Support from The Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation has made it possible for HistoryMiami Museum to continue supporting local photographers in documenting and sharing community stories.
“Woosler captures the essence of Miami’s religious communities with clarity and conviction.
His introspective voyage through these sacred places shows us how spirituality transcends boundaries and how Miami’s many spiritual communities claim and commune with their world. We are excited to share his work and to see the impact of his experience with the youth who worked alongside him,” said Christopher Barfield, HistoryMiami director of exhibitions.
As part of his fellowship, Delisfort mentored a talented group of Miami students in the Youth Photography Fellowship. This exhibition highlights projects from middle and high school students tasked with exploring their daily lives and communities while learning about photography. Their work is showcased at https://historymiami.org/youth-photography-online-exhibition/.
The HistoryMiami Museum’s Center for Photography is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing photographic images that narrate the stories of Miami’s diverse community.
With a strong emphasis on documentary photography, the center serves as a valuable resource for photographers, researchers, and the public. Through its extensive collection of historical images, dedicated photography galleries, and engaging programs, the center aims to address representational gaps in past collaborations, the museum’s collection, and the stories featured in our exhibitions and programs.
For more information, please visit www.historymiami.org.
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