Ritual Rest Exhibition and Performance

Historically, Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples have not had the autonomy to choose when we can rest. We were forced via trafficking into labor, involuntary migrations, sexual and reproductive violence, and more. Industrialization, modernization, and capitalism pick at our bodies while we work for a tangible wage to survive. In Ritual Rest, an exhibition and performance ritual by Louisiana Creole and Afro-Indigenous artist Maaliyah Symoné, visitors were encouraged to slow down, rest, and honor their bodies, with no shame. The performance was held in August at The Front. Located at the corner of St. Claude and Mazant St, The Front is an artist-led nonprofit exhibition space that promotes and uplifts contemporary art in New Orleans.

“The more we practice resting, the more we can heal ourselves and help each other heal,” Symoné said.