In Mandala of Altars I created a temporary environment out of found objects and a method for involving the audience in the creation of a sacred site made of found objects. I appeared as the character The W.I.G. Shaman who is an old sage/dumpster scavenger. He riffs on the alchemical possibilities of trash and how it can be transformed into magical environments that lead to personal and collective liberation. The W.I.G. Shaman led the audience through three fast paced art exercises to create a dynamic visual environment out of found objects. Some stand by and witness while others take Polaroid’s and write poetry inspired by the event. After giving them an opportunity to create the installation, they return to their seats and I reappear as another incarnation of the W.I.G. Shaman to perform an improvisational dance in the environment that they have created.

Wood doors with shelves, car hood mandala, various found objects
Oakland Museum of California, Oakland, CA
"What is Art For" Curated by William Wiley and Mary Hull Webster
April, 1999
20’x30’x1’