The Cactus Diaries
April 12th - April 25th, 2019.
THE STOREFRONT PROJECT
70 ORCHARD ST. NEW YORK CITY
Installation photographs of framed pieces exhibited in The Cactus Diaries
Main Hall of The Storefront Project
Main hall of The Storefront Project
Cactus Shop - Zines, Prints, Pins, Candles, Hats, T-Shirts, and Neon Lights.
Cyanotypes on Peruvian Handmade Paper
“The Cactus Diaries” is Justin Aversano’s exploration into the Andean ceremonial culture of the healing properties of Huachuma, also known as “San Pedro,” between 2016 - 2018. The cactus is legend to be a heart-opening tool, used in sacred ceremonies with shamans, to connect deeper with oneself, nature, people, and all living things. The medicine is an emotional psychedelic known as mescaline, although its major usage in this traditional culture is for healing the soul and enrichen one’s path through understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. The mystic powers that the plant holds is older than we may know. This series expresses that there is a dynamic parallel between science, spirit, and alchemy, when photographing & printing shamanic experiences; by using alternative photography as a tool to express the psychedelic and spirituality of the mystical plant medicine. 20% of all sales will be donated towards MAPS organization for research on the cactus medicine, and Lugar De Menores, a local charity orphanage for girls in Cusco, Peru.
Opening night of The Cactus Diaries at The Storefront Project.