Most of the narratives are derived from the Afro-Cuban religion called Abakuá, which came to the island in the 18th century with slaves arriving from what is now Nigeria and Cameroon. Abakuá is a secret society restricted to male initiates, with a foundational story based on an act of female betrayal. PhotoMy guess is that along with appealing to her curiosity about culture, Abakuá provided Ayón with an opportunity for invention. When various sacrificial animals associated with Abakuá ritual appear — goats, fish, roosters — she caresses them protectively, and their bodies merge with hers. The estate, headed by Ayón’s sister and niece, has carefully preserved the bulk of her art in the family home in Havana.

Source: New York Times June 22, 2017 15:33 UTC