Orixás

Today and tomorrow are the last chances to see Orixás, an exhibit of 30 photos by Pierre Verger (Fátúmbí) on view at Domek Romański Lower Silesian Photography Centre. Taken in 1950–1960 during Verger’s long stays in Yoruba religious communities, the photographs show the vivacity of religious experience through the bodies of the initiates.

At the age of 30, after losing his family, Verger started his career as a photojournalist. Over the next 15 years, he travelled across four continents, documenting many civilisations that would soon be effaced by progress. In the city of Salvador in Brazil, having become interested in the local history and culture, he turned from errant photographer into researcher of the African diaspora in the Americas. While studying Yoruba culture and its influences in Brazil, he became initiated into the Candomblé religion and officiated at its rituals. During a visit to Benin, he was initiated into Ifá (cowrie-shell divination), became a babalawo (priest) of Orunmila and was renamed Fátúmbí (‘he who is reborn through the Ifá’). Verger continued to study and document his chosen subject until his death in Salvador at the age of 94.

The exhibition is open until 10 November, 10am–6pm. Tickets cost 4 PLN and 2 PLN (concessions). Our other, free exhibitions are on in the Town Square House, Rynek 25, 10am–6pm, until 13 November.