Renee Stout’s research brings visibility to African syncretic religious practices including New Orleans
rootwork systems of the 19th century. Marie Laveau was a French Creole of mixed racial background. In this
work, the artist uses color metaphorically to emphasize “the African part of her (Laveau’s) heritage.” Pictured
here, backlit with a snake in her hair, the image of Laveau makes reference to Damballah, one of the most
important spirits in Haitian Vodou. Black folk magic is a recurring subject of Stout’s multimedia practice, which
also includes herbalist alter egos that she performs as the conjure women Fatima Mayfield and Madame
Ching.

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

• Legacy Traces , 1/18/2024 - 6/22/2024

• overall, frame Dimensions: 30 x 30 in. (762 x 762 mm)

This object is a member of the following portfolios: