Art

How are you feeling about the air quality in Los Angeles right now? | Mutant Mondays #1 /  by Edgar Fabián Frías

In this inaugural edition of Mutant Mondays, we examine Los Angeles's wildfire crisis and its deeper implications through Octavia Butler's prophetic lens. The post weaves together urgent public health guidance, mutual aid initiatives, and reflections on systemic failures, while highlighting Butler's eerily accurate predictions about climate crisis and social inequality. Features essential safety tips for LA residents and ways to support affected communities.

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Unveiling the Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck: A Journey Through Art and Divination /  by Edgar Fabián Frías

All 72 cards from the deck. Courtesy of X Artist Books and Alexandra Grant.

As an artist and oracle deck enthusiast, I've had the incredible opportunity to contribute to and explore one of the most unique decks I've ever encountered: the Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck. Created by Alexandra Grant in collaboration with Hélène Cixous, this deck is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art, literature, and divination.

The Genesis of Itinéraires Fantômes

The Itinéraires Fantômes deck is more than just a set of oracle cards; it's a celebration of Hélène Cixous's work and a companion to an art exhibition of the same name. Curated by Marion Vasseur Raluy and Ana Iwataki, the exhibition runs from June 21, 2024, to January 19, 2025, at the CAPC Musée d'art Contemporain de Bordeaux.

Courtesy of X Artist Books and Alexandra Grant.

Inside the Box

The deck consists of 72 beautifully designed cards, each measuring 5.1 x 3.5 inches (13 x 9 cm). These cards are housed in a sturdy cardboard box, measuring 7.9 x 6.3 x 2 inches (20 x 16 x 5 cm). Accompanying the cards is a thoughtfully crafted bilingual booklet in English and French, sized at 6.3 x 4.7 inches (16 x 12 cm).

Courtesy of X Artist Books and Alexandra Grant.

A Diverse Artistic Collaboration

What sets this deck apart is its incredible roster of contributors. Alongside Alexandra Grant and her partner Keanu Reeves, the deck features work from a diverse array of renowned artists and writers. From historical figures like Victor Hugo and Franz Kafka to contemporary artists such as Jeffrey Gibson, Johanna Hedva, and Louise Bourgeois, each card is a unique creation reflecting a variety of voices and styles.

The Six Categories

The 72 cards are divided into six intriguing categories:

1. Those from Below

2. Those from Above

3. Those Who Fly/Steal

4. Portals

5. Messages and Symbols

6. Superpowers

These categories add depth and structure to readings, allowing for rich interpretations and insights. Each card was created as a brand new artwork by an artist and/or curated from a selection of existing artwork. This gives the deck an eclectic yet harmonious composition. On the backside of each card is a unique drawing done in gold against a white background. When brought together these different drawings create a map designed by Alexandra Grant.

L'étranger Redoutable and "La Non-Forme, both 2024. Courtesy of Edgar Fabián Frías

My Contribution

As one of the contributors, I had the honor of creating two cards for this deck: "L'étranger Redoutable" (The Formidable Stranger) and "La Non-Forme" (The Non-Form). The creative process was both challenging and rewarding, as I sought to capture the essence of these concepts in visual form.

Upcoming Launch Event

For those eager to experience the deck firsthand, there's an exciting launch event coming up:

Date: Saturday, August 24 at 7 PM

Location: Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-itineraires-fantomes-oracle-deck-launch-tickets-942419942417

Final Reflections

The Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck is more than just a divination tool; it's a journey through art, literature, and the collective unconscious. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a seasoned oracle reader, or simply curious about unique creative projects, this deck offers something truly special.

To learn more about the deck or to purchase your own copy, visit X Artists Books

https://www.xartistsbooks.com/books/itineraires-fantomes-oracle-deck

And if you're interested in seeing more of my work, you can find me at:

https://bio.site/edgarfabianfrias

Also, to hear more thoughts of mine about this deck, see an unboxing, and flip through of all the cards, as well as learn who the artists that created are, watch this video below.

Have you encountered any oracle decks that have left a lasting impression on you?

Share your experiences in the comments below!

Talking with Adrienne Maree Brown about withcraft, animism, divination, and so much more! /  by Edgar Fabián Frías

In the world of podcasting, there are moments when you get the chance to sit down with someone whose work has profoundly influenced your life. For me, that moment arrived when I had the incredible honor of speaking with Adrienne Maree Brown, co-host of the thought-provoking podcast "How to Survive the End of the World." Together, we delved into a realm of enchanting topics, from bibliomancy and the myriad paths of divination in nature to the profound wisdom of animism. Our conversation flowed, touching on the rich traditions of the Wixárika people and the profound ways that art and magic can shape our lives. You can listen to our episode here.

A Fan's Dream Becomes True Reciprocity:

As someone who has long been an admirer of Adrienne's transformative work, including her groundbreaking books "Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds" and "Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good," this podcast was a dream come true. Adrienne's most recent work, "Fables and Spells: Collected and New Short Fiction and Poetry," further showcases her ability to tap into the collective wisdom of humanity and the magic of storytelling. It was incredibly moving to have adrienne share an excerpt from this book during the podcast and, as if that weren’t enough, to also share that she is a big fan of me and my art as well.

**Bibliomancy: Unveiling Messages in the Written Word**

We talked about divination and focused on bibliomancy, which is the practice of finding divine messages in books. Adrienne shared her own experiences with this mystical art, stressing the significance of approaching it with an open heart and mind. She also highlighted the importance of "curating" your experience by paying attention to what emerges and how you choose your reading material. We also discussed how beautiful it is when serendipity leads you to a passage or phrase that deeply resonates and becomes a guiding light in your life.

**The Many Paths of Divination in Nature**

Nature, with its infinite wisdom, became another focal point of our discussion. Adrienne and I eloquently described various forms of divination rooted in the natural world, highlighting the profound connections we can forge with the environment around us. From the patterns of birds in flight to the whispers of the wind, nature offers us endless avenues to tap into its sacred knowledge.

adrienne maree brown and Autumn Brown (click on this image to be taken to the podcast episode)

**The Wisdom of Animism**

Animism, the belief that all living beings and natural elements possess a soul or spirit, resonated deeply with both of us. We explored the ways in which animism invites us to engage with the world around us on a profound level, recognizing the consciousness present in every tree, rock, and creature. This perspective fosters a sense of interconnectedness and reverence for all life.

**Wixárika Traditions: A Journey into Indigenous Wisdom**

Our discussion shifted towards the Wixárika, a global indigenous community with deep traditions and wisdom, of which I am a descendant. I shared my experiences with Wixárika culture and my connection to its cosmologies, marakame (medicine people), and deities. I emphasized the significance of respecting and learning from indigenous communities as we aim to expand our understanding of the world. I brought up the incredible work that Diana Negrín has been doing with the Wixarika Research Center and her father’s legacy of uplifting and preserving José Benítez Sánchez’s incredible oeuvre. I also mention the work of Mama Chali and María Sabina.

**Art and Magic: Letting Creativity Flow**

As our conversation unfolded, we found ourselves immersed in a discussion about the inseparable connection between art and magic. Adrienne emphasized how both can be powerful tools for transformation, allowing us to channel our inner creativity and shape our lives in ways we may not have imagined. We shared personal stories of how art and magic have guided our own journeys and brought profound meaning to our existence.

**Profound Messages and Channeled Guidance**

In the spirit of sharing, Adrienne and I opened up about the profound messages we've received from the everyday world around us. From chance encounters with strangers to the synchronicities that seem to guide our paths, we explored the idea that life itself is a teacher, offering guidance and support when we are open to receiving it.

Quote by Edgar Fabián Frías

My conversation with Adrienne Maree Brown was a deep dive into the realms of magic, wisdom, and the everyday miracles that surround us. As someone who has long admired Adrienne's work, this podcast episode was not only a dream come true but also a reminder that when we open ourselves to the mysteries of existence, we uncover profound insights and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Adrienne's books, including "Emergent Strategy," "Pleasure Activism," and "Fables and Spells," serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding us to shape change, find pleasure in activism, and embrace the magic of storytelling. As we continue on our respective journeys, may we remember the wisdom shared in this conversation and carry it with us as we navigate the ever-unfolding story of our lives.

Announcing The Liberation Tarot! /  by Edgar Fabián Frías

I am so excited to finally be able to share about this! The Liberation Tarot Deck has been years in the making and I was fortunate enough to have been invited to create the Mutant card (see below)—a powerful symbol of emergence, magic, transmutation, and alchemy that is intricately connected to the Temperance card in the more traditional tarot. This tarot deck celebrates collective liberation and challenges the norms of the able-centered, capitalist, cisheteronormative, white supremacist patriarchy. It was created by an incredible group of very talented artists and it is available today to preorder via their Kickstarter!

XIV The Mutant Tarot Card for the Liberation Tarot Deck

The Liberation Tarot deck is a testament to the transformative power of magic, healing, and social change within our communities. It brings together the talents of over thirty artists and writers from different corners of the world. Together, we have crafted a tapestry of non-hierarchical cards, honoring revolutionary concepts and figures that redefine the traditional tarot archetypes. As you dive into this world, let us rewrite the vocabulary of power, strengthen our muscles of radical dreaming, and embrace a vision of co-resistance. Join me on this extraordinary journey as we explore the Liberation Tarot and uncover the profound significance of the Mutant card—a beacon of possibility, transformation, and collective liberation.

From PM Press’ website:

Magic is an essential tool for healing and social change within our communities. Liberation Tarot is a collection of 79 tarot cards and accompanying guidebook, created over the course of four years by more than thirty artists and writers living in the US, Canada, France, Brazil, Palestine, and Mexico. The booklet includes an introduction from deck organizer Elicia Epstein, insightful essays by adrienne maree brown and lawrence barriner II, and beautifully crafted card descriptions from poet emet ezell.

Following in the lineage of projects like Slow Holler, The Collective Tarot, and Next World Tarot, Liberation Tarot seeks to serve as a tool for those inspired towards revolution in the face of the able-centered, capitalist, heterocis-normative, white-supremacist patriarchy.

Tarot helps us re-write the vocabulary of power, and with it, to strengthen our muscles of radical, revolutionary, and abolitionist dreaming. The deck eschews conventional tarot cards like the Emperor or Knight in favor of non-hierarchical cards honoring revolutionary concepts and figures such as the Crone, the Healer, and the Rebel, among others. Figures in the deck have bodies of all shapes and sizes, colors, genders, ages, and abilities—together, elaborating a vision of collective liberation and co-resistance.

Contributors

Abdu Ali (The Artist card) | adrienne maree brown (essay contributor) | Amina Ross (The Accountability card) | Amir Khadar (The Shadow card) | Anne Horel (The Caravan card) | Aparna Sarkar (The Moon card) | Cassie Thornton (The Ancestors card) | Charmaine Bee (The Whore card) | Cole M. James (The Suit of Blades) | Cyrée Jarelle Johnson (The Doula card) | d. Wright (The Fool card) | Edgar Fabián Frías (The Mutant card) | Elicia Epstein (organizer, curator, the Suit of Spirals) | emet ezell (author of guidebook) | Eva Wu (The Suit of Vessels) | INVASORIX (The Suit of Flowers) | J Wu (The Love card) | Jennifer Moon and jarret hood (The World card) | Katie Kaplan (The Establishment card) | Karryl Eugene (The Artist card) | Kinoko (The Courage card) | lawrence barriner II (essay contributor) | Malak Mattar (The Death card) | Malaya Tuyay (The Hermit card) | Mark Allen (The Chaos card) | Nathaniel Russell (The Dream card) | Nissa Gustafson (The Chrysalis card) | nkiruka oparah (The Uprising card) | Petra Floyd (The Doula card) | Scarlet Tunkl (The Portal card) | Shoog McDaniel (The Sun Card) | Syan Rose (The Star card)

About the Creator

Elicia Epstein is a semi-nomadic multimedia artist and organizer, currently getting their Master’s in Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Elicia’s creative inquiries manifest conceptually and promiscuously across a broad range of media including sculpture, installation, photo, video, performance, publication, printmaking, collage, and cross-media collaboration. Her work has been shown in several places in and outside of the US, most recently at the Oakland Museum of California’s Hella Feminist exhibit.

I'm hosting a Performance Workshop at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art! (LACMA) /  by Edgar Fabián Frías

Photo of Edgar Fabián Frías, courtesy of the artist; Agnes Pelton, Winter, 1933, Crocker Art Museum Purchase; Paul LeBaron Thiebaud, George and Bea Gibson Fund, Denise and Donald C. Timmons, Melza and Ted Barr, Sandra Jones, Linda M. Lawrence, Nancy

Photo of Edgar Fabián Frías, courtesy of the artist; Agnes Pelton, Winter, 1933, Crocker Art Museum Purchase; Paul LeBaron Thiebaud, George and Bea Gibson Fund, Denise and Donald C. Timmons, Melza and Ted Barr, Sandra Jones, Linda M. Lawrence, Nancy Lawrence and Gordon Klein, Nancy S. and Dennis N. Marks, William L. Snider and Brian Cameron, Stephenson Foundation, Alan Templeton, A.J. and Susana Mollinet Watson, and other donors

Standing on the Ground with Your Body in the Sky: Performance Workshop with Edgar Fabián Frías

In conjunction with the exhibition Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group, 1938–1945, join artist Edgar Fabián Frías for a performance workshop exploring ways art can be used in individual and collective journeys to connect mind, body, spirit and creativity.

Taking place at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art LACMA on:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 6 P.M.

Please RSVP by click on the link below:

https://www.lacma.org/event/standing-ground-your-body-sky