XAVIER ROBLES DE MEDINA – FAYA LOBI
2020-02-03Faya Lobi means fiery love, or love of fire.
In Suriname, it is the Sranan given name for its national flower, the Ixori coccinea , a flowering plant of South-Indian, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan origins. Other names it is known by are jungle geranium, flame of the woods, or jungle flame. The faya lobi grows abundantly in Suriname, producing flowers all year, as it does in South Asia. In Suriname, faya lobi became a symbol for love, long lasting and ardent passion.
There is a fiery love that burns in the deep heart of the South American jungles. This fire is different from the fires that have burned down and deforested the Amazon, it exists intrinsically, and is passed down to those born in the lineage of resistance. In the northeast Amazon basin, a fiery love welcomed the Ndyuka, now descendants of marooned slaves who for four centuries continuously build resistance and sanctuaries.
Opposite – Untitled (Translation B&G) I, 2019
Exhibition runs through to March 21st, 2020
Praz-Delavallade
5 rue des Haudriettes
75003 Paris
