Soul paintings mirror the true essence within each individual. Each soul has layers upon layers that rest within, mirroring multiple timelines of existence, and reflecting past lives. During the ceremony, the karmic cords and the shadows of the self are illuminated to be acknowledged and healed through the power of breath, meditation, and creative expression.

We will begin in a circle sitting down in lotus position. Palo Santo will be passed around to cleanse and bless our bodies. In the center of the circle will an altar which will enable us to hold space for one another, and as we journey within. The facilitator will lead the ceremony from the center. We will begin with a guided meditation focusing on our breathing and dropping within our bodies. The facilitator will open the space with a prayer of guidance, protection and love calling upon the ancestors, light beings, spirit guides, angels, spirit animals and the Great Spirit. We will rest in meditation for 10-15 minutes, at which point they begin the soul paintings on themselves. A mirror will be placed in front of each person. They will do only half of their face. After they complete half of their face they will get with a partner. First they will meditate with their backs supporting one another focusing on the breath. The purpose is to tune into the interconnected energy that resides within them both. Being mindful of their internal space as well as their partner’s internal space. After 5 min, they will turn to face one another and soul gaze. After 5 min partner A will complete the other half of partner B’s face. After partner B’s face is complete they will do the same for partner A. To close the space a guided meditation will begin and a closing gratitude prayer.

Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art (Buildings C & G)
General Admission: $10 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Snug Harbor Members: $5
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Heal the Man in order to Heal the Land explores how spirituality manifests itself out of the connections between internal experience and the material world. How can we connect with nature in a society that continues to give primacy to disposability and mass-consumption? How do we move away from a mindset of scarcity to one of collaboration? How can we be transformed from the egocentric “i” to the love supreme “I AM”?  In this work, artist Tattfoo Tan uses participatory prompts, games and affirmations to engage you in the play of the universe. Let the process begin.

Staten Island based artist Tattfoo Tan’s practice focuses on issues relating to ecology, sustainability and healthy living. His work is project-based, ephemeral and educational in nature. Tan has exhibited at venues including the Queens Museum of Art, Eugene Lang College at the New School for Liberal Arts, Parsons the New School for Design, the Fashion Institute of Technology, Wave Hill, Macalester College, Ballroom Marfa, Creative Time, Project Row Houses, and the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati. Tan’s projects have been presented by the Laundromat Project, the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for the Arts program, and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts program. His work has been published by Gestalten and Thames and Hudson.

Tan has been widely recognized for his artistic contributions and service to the community, and is the proud recipient of a proclamation from The City of New York. He is the recipient of grants from Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Art Matters, Joan Mitchell Foundation, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and Staten Island Arts.  In 2010, Tan received the annual Award for Excellence in Design by the Public Design Commission of the City of New York for his design and branding of the Super-Graphic on Bronx River Art Center. He currently serves on the Mayor’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee to support the development of a Comprehensive Cultural Plan.

All exhibits and programs are located in the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art (Buildings C & G).  Admission is $5 ($4 students/seniors).  Free for students grades 6-12 with student ID.

Spring – Autumn hours are Thurs-Fri 12:00 – 7:00 PM and Sat – Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Heal the Man in order to Heal the Land is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.  Additional support provided by Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.