Wilfredo Lam (10)


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Source: WTL photo© Wilfredo Lam exhibition in 2016 at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid.
Image: "Oya [Divinité de l'aire et de la mort, Idolos / Divinity of air and death, Idols]" (1944). Oil on canvas. María Graciela and Luis Alfonso Oberto Collection.
Comments: Thalia Took, a contemporary artist who focuses on goddesses says this about Oya: "Oya is the powerful Yorubá Orisha of the winds and tempests. She is considered either the sister of the Orisha of storms, Shango, or one of His three wives, with Oshun and Oba. She can manifest as winds ranging from the gentlest breeze to the raging hurricane or cyclone. She goes forth with Her husband during His thunderstorms, destroying buildings, ripping up trees, and blowing things down. Oya is known as a fierce warrior and strong protectress of women, who call on Her to settle disputes in their favor" (http://www.thaliatook.com/AMGG/oya.php).
Humanities Question
: What do you see in this painting that illustrates what Thalia Took says about the Yoruba / Santería Orisha Oya that Lam is depicting?