Regla: Soul of a Community” is an exhibit that follows the journey of Film photographer Jean-Andre and Visual Artist/Curator Ashleigh Alexandria, to Regla a port town across the bay of Havana, Cuba. (Regla became an epicenter of Afro- Cuban religions in addition to being the home of the Virgin of Regla, a highly revered Black Madonna.) The events that follows is the experiences they share with their fellow artists peers and Regla residents, married couple, Filmmaker / Photographer Amberly Alene and hip hop musician/ rapper Alexey El Tipo Este Rodriguez (of ReglaSoul) .
HOURS: Tuesday- Saturday 11 AM to 5:30 PM
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/regla-soul-of-a-community-tickets-149081323251
It was March 2019, and over the course of three days, this Brooklyn couple entered a neighborhood that would forever change their perspective and perceptions of modern life. The rich Afro-Cuban religious history of Regla and the tight knit community they were apart of for just a brief time allowed them to explore not only the differences, but the commonalities of both worlds.
This exhibit will show the broader picture of Regla’s Black community in featuring images of it’s daily life and artistic expressions through the lens of four Black artists :
Alexey, a hip hop pioneer of Cuba who has attributed his work greatly to the late great producer and rapper, J Dilla. Through his music video visuals, specifically “Regla”, produced by his wife Amberly of “Film For The People” , we see the representation of his family and neighbors that he’s grown up with and who he has seen grown as well.
Amberly, a filmmaker and photographer originally from Baltimore MD, who has become apart of Regla and is embraced by the community. Her eye for capturing real intimate moments and portraits of the people and especially the Women, children and families of Regla is filled with love and appreciation.
Jean-Andre, a polaroid and Film photographer who has a keen eye for candied moments with his film work and portrait polaroid images. We get insight into the interactions and connections he encountered as well as an outsiders perspective of Regla’s everyday life.
Ashleigh, a Visual Artist and curator who uses body paint as a means to tell story’s of Black life. Through sharing her artistry of collaging and wheat paste she was able to teach children of Havana the power of Black representation through her original imagery. She as well will be sharing iPhone images of her perspective.
“Regla: Soul of a Community” is curated by Souldega member Ashleigh Alexandria, and is scheduled to take place at The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center between April 9th – May 7th, 2021. Reception will be April 9th between 5-8pm. This is Alexandria’s first art exhibition produced under Souldega.
