Espiritismo, Theater and Trance of Maria Lionza.
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Prize
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PhotographerTroi Anderson , United States
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Website
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Instagram
Espiritismo, the practice of communication with spirits through trance possession, is found throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. In Venezuela, a mythological goddess figure of ancient indigenous legend -Maria Lionza- is the focal point for gatherings within the jungle of sacred Mount Sorte. This religious movement, still regarded by many as a cult, is composed in perfect reflection of Venezuela's own multicultural history. It is a syncretic, mestizo mix of the Spanish and Indian, as well as African traditions and beliefs. Theatrical healing ceremonies and colorful pageantry blend wildly to bring forth a knowledge of the esoteric passed down through spiritual caravans, the pilgrims known as the Marialionceras. Each caravan worships at the altar, the "court" of its chosen spirits and saints. From American Indians to African deities, Latin American liberators and Venezuelan folk heroes, even the court of the Vikings exists here. All of these, however, lay at the feet of the "Queen mother of Venezuela", the earth goddess figure whose beauty and majesty is the source of the mystical powers that are said to reside only on this mountain. The pilgrims come to take part in her abundance and seek guidance, connecting through their mutual faith, a diverse history unified by a human desire that seeks connection with the mystery of life.
Troi Anderson is a fine art, documentary photographer based in Portland, Oregon. Troi began his career working in Magnolia Pictures and later, as a Merchant Marine sailing throughout Asia and the South Pacific. His work has been featured on CNN, GeoFrance, TIME Lightbox, The Oregonian, Black and White and the photo collective, Verve. Troi's photography has been exhibited in the Blue Sky Drawers program and has been named one of the Emerging Artists by Daniel Cooney Fine Art and Musee Magazine.
Awards Collections
Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego
Awards
2018 IPA International Photography Awards
A Deeper Perspective
2018 Communication Arts Photography Annual 59
2018 American Photography 34
2018 Palm Springs Photography Festival,
Featured Screening
2017 International Photography Awards
3rd Place, Traditions and Cultures
Honorable Mention, Portraits
2017 Sony World Photography Awards, Commended
2016 American Photography 32
2015 Critical Mass Top 50
2015 International Photography Awards
Honorable Mention, Traditions and Culture
Honorable Mention, Culture
Honorable Mention, Landscapes
Honorable Mention, Night Photography
2015 Palm Springs Photography Festival
Featured Screening, Songs of the Spirit
Featured Screening, Software Fictions
2015 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris
Gold Winner, First Place. Press/Feature Story
Gold Winner, First Place. Press
Honorable Mention. Press/ Feature Story
2015 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, White Competition
Gold Winner, First Place. Documentary
Bronze Winner, Third Place. Documentary
Honorable Mention. Documentary
2014 Musee Magazine, Emerging Artist
2014 International Photography Awards
2nd place, People and Culture
Honorable Mention, People and Culture
Honorable Mention, Traditions and Cultures
2014 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris
Silver Winner, 2nd place. Feature Story Category
Silver Winner, 2nd place. Feature Story Category
Silver Winner, 2nd Place. Travel/Tourism Category
2014 Smithsonian Magazine Photography Awards, finalist
2014 Sony World Photography Awards, Commended top 30 Photographers
2014 Aperture Summer Open, exhibition winner
2014 Kiku International Mountain Summit Photography Awards, finalist
2014 Professional Photographer Magazine, Photographer of the Year, finalist
