O P E N
S T O R A G E
ELLIOT & ERICK JIMÉNEZ
b.1989, Cuba
Ibejí, 2022
Archival photo print
60 x 44 in.
Edition of 5+ 2AP
Courtesy of Spinello Projects
Elliot and Erick Jiménez are first generation Cuban American identical twins born and raised in Miami, now residing in New York. Their photographic practice is influenced by art history and their spiritual upbringing which explored the mysticism of gods in mythology, Yoruba culture, Catholicism and Afro-Cuban religious syncretization.
Their photographs capture an emotional sentiment that is explored through fashion, still life, portraiture and travel. Elliot and Erick have meticulously constructed a visual approach that weighs heavily on concept and color compositions while celebrating the cultural diversity of their own upbringing.
In the Yoruba spiritual tradition, and the several religions throughout the Caribbean diaspora that have derived from it, “orishas” are spirits sent by the supreme creator to assist humanity on Earth. “Ibejí” is the name of the orisha representing a pair of twins in the Yoruba religion. In Yoruba culture and spirituality, twins are believed to be extraordinary magical beings capable of bestowing immense fortune or misfortune to their families and communities, and are granted protection by the thunder deity orisha, Shango.