Wendy Phillips: La Limpia

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

Founded in 1968, an iconic year in Bay Area and national history, CIIS emerged in the midst of crisis and aspiration. With many activating for political change, others were exploring the realm of the psychological and spiritual, fueled by an examination of the Judeo-Christian tradition and Western consumer capitalism, and drawn to an integration of the spirit into the daily expression of our intellectual, creative, and physical selves.

On the occasion of looking back, we also examined the present crises and aspirations, and the work that is emerging in this moment that looks to the future. We sought contemporary artistic parallels for the seeking that fueled the founding of CIIS; what emerged were two central threads. One of two exhibitions that mark the 50th anniversary of California Institute of Integral Studies, is La Limpia, the work of Wendy Phillips.

She's part of a movement of artists, writers, and activists across generations who are reclaiming and healing, unearthing and reinventing the spiritual traditions that were denied their parents or grandparents. Phillips' creative work-integrated seamlessly with her spiritual and intellectual journey-combines research into contemporary practices in regions culturally similar to those of her ancestors, with the creation of new narratives and spiritual practices that account for intersectional, cross-cultural, contemporary identities. In traversing past, present, and future she reinvigorates a relationship to the environment that is restorative rather than extractive.