Espiritismo, Theater and Trance of Maria Lionza.

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.