William Villalongo

Power Lawd! takes its title from the song Sinnerman, by Nina Simone. A veiled figure emerges from the black velvet, cross-legged, arms over head, the hand holding a comb. For the artist, the notion of Animism, or the idea that all things possess a soul is fuel for his recent figurative constructions. The pose is perhaps a yoga meditation or prayer; crystals and African artifacts complete the form, embedding the language of healing and becoming. Much like Simone's deep wail, "I cried, power!" the artist is also asking for strength, summoning the power to move forward and break through barriers.