The Dragon Boat Festival has been held in honor of revered Chinese poet Qu Yuan (circa 339–278 B.C.E.) for over 2,000 years. People celebrate this traditional holiday by eating sticky dumplings called zongzi, and of course by racing dragon boats! The vessels are sometimes built to resemble an actual dragon with a head and tail, though they can also look like regular narrow rowing boats. Another tradition from ancient times is wearing embroidered pouches full of fragrant herbs and incense, in the hopes they will protect against bad luck.
Diversions showcases the photographic outcomes of an ongoing artistic dialogue between emerging artists Ravinder Rai and Sebastián Benítez. Engaging in themes of contemporary identity, culture, image, objects, commodification, and sexuality, this exhibition shares a process of awareness and discovery as Rai and Benítez photographically respond to each other's work. Featuring playful and clever self-portraits and still life photographs, this exhibition also incorporates elements of installation and mixed media.