Patrick Dougher God Body Tour Notes 1 1
Patrick Dougher God Body Tour Notes 1 1
Patrick Dougher God Body Tour Notes 1 1
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WHAT IS THE MEANING OF G
OD BODY?
According to artist Patrick Dougher, the title of the show, God
Body, refers to “the philosophy of the 5 Percent Nation of Gods
and Earths. God Body being someone who has knowledge of self
and recognizes their true Divine and God nature, In my belief God
is within and without. Nature and sentient beings are pieces of the
God force and even in an urban environment ‘pieces of God’ can
be found in the discarded. This is the reasoning behind the found
metal series ‘Brooklyn Talisman’ as well as ‘Art Cans’.”
Right image is titled G
OD ABOVE IV by Patrick Dougher, acrylic and silver leaf on
canvas, 30” x 40”.
KEY TERMS
SPIRITUALITY: an individual’s relationship with the concept of being, either involving God or
not involving God
RELIGION: a shared set of texts, beliefs, and traditions revolving around one’s relationship with
God
FIVE PERCENT NATION: also referred to as the “Nation of Gods and Earths” or “the Five
Percenters”, this movement operates on the belief that Black were the first beings on planet
earth. The fathers are the “Gods” and the mothers are the “Earths.” The main belief within the
Five Percent Nation states that ten percent of the Earth’s population knows the “truth of
existence” but seeks to keep the world ignorant. Eighty-five percent of the population is
ignorant to the world’s truths. The remaining five percent know the truth and set out to educate
the ignorant eighty-five percent.1
GOD: God is often defined as the “supreme being” who creates all and controls all. In some
religions, there are multiple Gods instead of just one.
SELF ACTUALIZATION: to attain the highest form of self
DIVINITY: Divinity has two meanings - the state of being divine or the study of theology
AFRICAN DIASPORA: a term used to describe the dispersion of people of African descent
across various communities
NAMASTE: "the Divine in me honors the Divine in you" or “I bow to the divine in you”
1
Johnson, Christopher. “God, the Black Man and the Five Percenters.” NPR, NPR, 4 Aug. 2006,
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5614846.
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QUESTIONS
1. What does “spirituality” mean in the context of the black community and/or African
diaspora? How has the meaning changed throughout history?
2. What is the definition of “divinity”?
3. How can individuals go about finding divinity within?
4. What are the differences between interpretations of God throughout different religions?
5. What are the similarities between interpretations of God throughout different religions?
6. What is self-actualization and how is this concept attained?
7. In which ways in spirituality used to reach self-actualization?
8. How have Black people used spirituality as a healing practice throughout history?
9. What are the connections between slavery and black spirituality? How was spirituality
used and expressed during this time?
10. What are the main principles within the ideology of the Five Percent Nation?
11. How did the Five Percent Nation come to be?
12. How did the Nations of Gods and Earth become such a force? What era? What's up
with it now?
13. What does “spirituality” in the context of the black community and/or African diaspora?
How has the meaning changed throughout history?
14. What is the definition of “divinity”?
15. How can individuals go about finding divinity within?
16. What are the differences between interpretations of God throughout different religions?
17. What are the similarities between interpretations of God throughout different religions?
18. What is self-actualization and how is this concept attained?
19. In which ways in spirituality used to reach self-actualization?
20. How have Black people used spirituality as a healing practice throughout history?
21. What are the connections between slavery and black spirituality? How was spirituality
used and expressed during this time?
22. What are the main principles within the ideology of the Five Percent Nation?
23. How did the Five Percent Nation come to be?
24. How did the Nations of Gods and Earth become such a force? What era? What's up
with it now?
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EXHIBITION THEMES
1. FIVE PERCENT NATION - also known as “Nation of Gods and Earths” or “Five Percenters”
Overview
The basic ideology behind the Five Percent Nation is that 85 percent of the global population is
unaware of the world’s truths, 10 percent of the global population knows the truth, but is
unwilling to share it in order to keep the masses ignorant, and the remaining 5 percent of the
population knows the truth and seeks to share it to educate others. The Five Percent Nation is
comprised of the five percent who are willing to share the truth.
History
Clarence 13 X founded the Five Percent Nation, also reffered to as Nation of Gods and Earths
or Five Percenters, in 1963 after splitting from the Nation of Islam due to a disagreement
regarding the identity and nature of God. According to Nation of Islam, W.D. Farad Muhammad
was god, however, Clarence 13 X felt that Farad Muhammad as not “purely” black enough to
be labeled as God. Clarence 13 X believed that each Black man has the potential to grow and
develop his godliness through honorable lifestyle choices such as education, spiritual fitness,
physical fitness, and meditation. Clarence 13 X eventually changed his name to Allah the Father
and began spreading his message and promoting the fight for Black people’s rights.2
Key Concepts
The term Poor Righteous Teachers i s used within texts of the Five Percent Nation to describe
"the poor, righteous Teachers, who do not believe in the teachings of the 10%, and are all-wise;
and know who the Living God is; and Teach that the Living God is the Son of man, the supreme
being, the (Black man) of Asia; and Teach Freedom, Justice and Equality to all the human family
of the planet Earth."3 The “Poor Righteous Teachers” have achieved a level of self-actualization
in which they are able to think for themselves and thus understand how the 10% attemps to
trick the mislead 85%.
2
Johnson, Christopher. “God, the Black Man and the Five Percenters.” NPR, NPR, 4 Aug. 2006,
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5614846.
3
Allah, Wakeel (2007). In the Name of Allah: A History of Clarence 13X and the Five Percenters, Vol. 1. Atlanta, GA:
A-Team Publishing.
4
“Supreme Mathematics” is a system of numbers used within the Five Percent Nation ideology
in which a specific number correlates with a specific word. It provides numbers with
quantitative and qualitative value. See number meanings below4:
1 = Knowledge 6 = Equality
2 = Wisdom 7 = God
4
Washington, Teresa (2014). Manifestations of Masculine Magnificence. Oya's Tornado. p. 97.
5
Allah, Wakeel (2007). In the Name of Allah: A History of Clarence 13X and the Five Percenters, Vol. 1. Atlanta, GA:
A-Team Publishing.
6
Johnson, Christopher. “God, the Black Man and the Five Percenters.” NPR, NPR, 4 Aug. 2006,
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5614846.
5
Symbolism
The Five Percent Emblem, also known as the Universal Flag of Islam is symbolic of “I,” the Self
Lord and Master. In recent years, Jay-Z was seen wearing this emblem at performances and
public appearances. Rapper Rakim also sported the symbol on his album, Follow the Leader,
with Eric B.
Presence in Rap Music & Culture
The Five Percent Nation became increasingly popular amongst rappers and rap groups in the
1980’s and 1990’s such as Poor Righteous Teachers, Busta Rhymes, Wu Tang Clan, Lord
Jamar of Brand Nubian, Nas, Jay-Z, Jay Electronica, Erykah Badu, and many more. Rap experts
also claim that some of the original founders of hip-hop music such as K ool Herc and Afrika
Bambaataa studied the key concepts of the Five Percent Nation such as the Supreme Alphabet
and Supreme Mathematics. Not only did these rappers discuss the Five Percent Nation ideology
within their music, but they followed the ideology in their day-to-day lives through engaging in
educational endeavors and attempting to attain divinity. So what’s up with the Five Percent
Nation now? From the late 1990’s to the present day, the influences of the Five Percent Nation
became overshadowed by the rise of materialism and consumerism in hip-hop. However, it’s
powerful stance in hip-hop history and Black history will always stand strong. The ideology still
influences artists today, whether blatant or subtle.
2. SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Spirituality vs. Religion: What’s the Difference?
Spirituality is often defined as an individualistic endeavor in which one finds their inner purpose
and discovers the meaning of life. There are no strict rules or beliefs when it comes to
spirituality. R
eligion, o
n the other hand, is an organized set of beliefs or practices followed by a
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group of people. Although different in definition, people can be both religious and spiritual, or
just one or the other, or neither at all.
Spirituality Across the African Diaspora
The Yoruba religion is a system of religious and
spiritual beliefs of the Yoruba people. The geographic
area is known as modern day Southwestern Nigeria
and some parts of Benin and Togo. Yoruba is the
basis for many spiritual systems such as “Cuban
Santeria, Haitain Vodou, Brazilian Candomble, and
Trinidad & Tobago Shango.”7 When discussing the
Yoruba religious system, there are specific key terms
that must be defined8:
ASE: so let it be/may it be so
AYANMO: destiny or fate which all humans must pass through
OLODUMARE: The divine creator or the energy source. This term can also refer to the state in
which an individual becomes one with the divine creator/ energy source9
ORISHA: deities or emissieries of the Yoruba faith who carry out communication between the
people and Oludumare (God). The Orishas are as follows10.
Gods and Divine Figures of Yoruba
Elegba (Èlegbara, The messenger between the human and the divine, the owner of all roads
Elegguá, or Èsú/eshu) and doors. He gives permission for anything to occur between the two
worlds. He is represented by the numbers 3 and 21 and the colors red and
black or white.
Ogún God of war, labor, and iron. Represented by number 7 and colors green and
black.
Oshosi Hunter, scout, and translator for Obatalá. Represented by colors are blue
and yellow.
Obatalá Father of humanity and all orishas. Creator of humanity. Represents peace
and compassion. Represented by the color white with accents of various
7
“The Yoruba Faith .” The Yoruba Faith, Howard University ,
www.howard.edu/library/reference/cybercamps/camp2002/YorubaFaith.htm.
8
Sawe, Benjamin Elisha. “What Is The Yoruba Religion? Yoruba Beliefs and Origin.” WorldAtlas, WorldAtlas, 17 Apr.
2019, www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-yoruba-religion.html.
9
Bewaji, John A.I. “Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief and the Theistic Problem of Evil.” African Studies Quarterly, vol.
2, no. 1, 1998.
10
“The Orishas.” The Orishas, Indiana University Bloomington, www.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html.
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colors to represent different paths as well as Obatala’s ability to encompass
various life possibilities.
Oyá Ruler of winds and gates of cemetery. Represented by the number 9,
maroon, flowery patterns and nine different colors.
Oshún Ruler of streams, rivers, love, money, and fertility. Represented by colors
yellow and gold, imagery such as vultures and peacocks, and the number 5.
Yemayá Ruler of seas, lakes, and maternity. The “Mother of All” or “Mother Whose
Children are the Fish.” She wears seven skirts of blue and white. Her little
sister is Oshún.
Shangó Ruler of lightning, fire, thunder, drums and dance. He enjoys the pleasures
of the world. He is represented by red and white, 4 and 6.
Orunmila The orisha of wisdom and divination. Bears witness to creation and destiny.
Represented by colors green and yellow.
Santeria is a religion of Yoruba origin developed by West African people during the Slave Trade
in Cuba. Santeria, meaning “the worship of saints” also incorporates elements of Roman
Catholicism. Santeria is a monotheistic religion, meaning there is one God, however, there are
multiple deities or “Orishas” similar to the Yoruba system described above. During slavery in the
17th century, slaves were not allowed to follow their religion so they disguised their orishas as
Catholic saints. Approximately 80 percent of the Cuban population practices this religion.
Babalawos, or Santeria priests, interpret God through “divination,” a ceremony involving music,
rum, cigars, and sometimes animal sacrifice.11 These ceremonies are often performed at home
or in public places.
West African Vodun is the basis for a variety of
spiritual systems such as Haitian Vodou, Dominican
Vudú, Cuban Vodú, Brazilian Vodum, Puerto Rican
Vudú, and Louisiana Voodoo. West African Vodun is a
belief system based on Vodun spirits and divine
beings who control the planet. Those who follow
Vodun also believe that the deceased live side-by-side
with the living, therefore ancestor worship is very
important within this religion. Each family has a line of
priesthood, based on matriarchs and daughters.
Mawu, also referred to as Mahu, is an elder female being who is the divine creator. She created
seven children: S akpata who is Vodun of the Earth, Xêvioso, or Xêbioso who is Vodun of
Thunder and Divine Justice, Agbe who is Vodun of the Sea, Gû who is Vodun of Iron and War,
Agê who is Vodun of Agriculture and Forests, Jo who is Vodun of Air, and Lêgba who is Vodun
11
“Cuban Santeria Tradition and Practices.” Cuban Santeria Tradition and Practices, Anywhere,
www.anywhere.com/cuba/travel-guide/santeria.
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of the Unpredictable. In many Vodun religious rituals, herbal medicines and healing objects are
used, often made into shrines to call specific Voduns.12
Nation of Islam
The Nation of Islam is a branch of Islam which combines the principles of black Nationalism
with the Islamic faith. Founded in 1930, the Nation of Islam follows several traditional Muslim
practices such as refusal to consume pork, alcohol, drugs and tobacco and an emphasis on
family values. Perhaps the most well known early leader of the Nation of Islam is Elijah
Muhammad who believed that White people were created by a Black scientist and their power
was to run out by the year 1914. Muhammad advocated for the seperation of Black people
from White people in order to support Black business and develop generational wealth within
the black community.13 The creator the Five Percent Nation started as a follower of the Nation
of Islam, but later created his own belief system based on what he felt the Nation of Islam was
lacking.
Christianity and The Black Church
During the enslavement of Black people in the United States, black people often congregated in
churches in order to develop a greater sense of community and hope. The church served as a
place for celebration, prayer, and community building.14 Whether you view Christian and
Catholic black churches as beneficial or detrimental to the black community as a whole, they
were unarguably influential to the development of religion and spirituality within the black
community, even still to this day. Moving into the civil rights era, churches played a significant
role in the organization of protests and the fight for equal rights. Many civil rights leaders held
community meetings within places of prayer as they were accessible to many black people at
the time, as opposed to public predominantly white spaces which could be dangerous. To this
day, churchgoers of every denomination use church to build community and morally guide them
through life.15
3. "THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN" - Luke 17:21
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus says, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will
they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus
responds with this quote when the Kingdom of God will come. In relation to this exhibition, the
quote is a testament to the presence of divinity or spirituality within oneself. One cannot wait
for God to find them, rather, they should find Godliness within themselves.
12
Anthony B. Pinn (2017-10-15). Varieties of African American Religious Experience: Toward a Comparative Black
Theology. Fortress Press. p. 7.
13
Lee, Martha F. The Nation of Islam: an American Millenarian Movement. Syracuse University Press, 1996.
14
Davis, Cyrrian. “Black Spirituality.” U.S. Catholic Historian, vol. 8, no. 1/2, 1989, pp. 39–46. JSTOR,
www.jstor.org/stable/25153864.
15
“‘The Black Church," a Brief History.” African American Registry, 1 Nov. 2017,
aaregistry.org/story/the-black-church-a-brief-history/.
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4. SELF ACTUALIZATION
Self actualization is the recognition and fulfilment of one’s full potential. It is the highest level of
Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which was developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow (see
image on right). One can reach self-actualization through embodying healthy practices such as
focusing on individual talents, receiving an education, remaining physically active, and engaging
in positive endeavors. Self-actualization is a common topic when discussing spirituality as many
use spirituality to guide them to self-actualization.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFLUENCES
MUSIC
● Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder
Released in 1976, Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life came to be after Wonder considered
quitting the music industry due to his frustration with the U.S. government. Instead, he signed a
contract giving him full artistic control over his next seven LP’s. Wonder was in complete power
over his sound and his message. This directly relates to the idea of self actualization - Wonder
chose to put his career in his own hands instead of allowing a third party to control his money
and image. This way, he could have a better hold of his legacy for future generations to come.
● Vodou Adjae - Boukman Eksperyans
Eksperyans’ Vodu Adjae i s a 1991 Haitian album, bridging traditional Afro-Caribbean folk with
modern pop sounds. The album incorporates religious drumming sounds of the Vodou faith.
The inside of the album states: “BOUKMAN was the slave leader who helped to launch the
revolution that led to the overthrow of French colonialism and the birth of the first black republic in
the world in 1804. BOUKMAN was also a priest of the new Afro-Haitian religion called Vodou that
helped to unify the Haitian slave to carry out the revolution. BOUKMAN EKSPERYANS captures the
experience embodied in the image of BOUKMAN: a blend of African and Christian spirituality,
stubborn resistance to oppression, and a fierce pride in the people, history and culture of Haiti.” This
dedication to Boukman speaks to the topics of Black spirituality and the divine nature of the self
within the exhibition. Boukman found power within himself to free his people.
● I Against I - Bad Brains
I Against I is a 1986 album combining harcore punk, sould, reggae, funk, and heavy metal. The
title of the album is based on Rastafarian phrase “I and I” which unifies the speaker with the
audience and Jah peacefully. Statements involving “I” are often present in Dougher’s paintings
and sculptures. The combination of various genres also relates to the way in which Dougher
combines materials.
● To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
Lamar’s third studio album released in 2015 combines soul, spoken word, jazz, and
avant-garde music with rap while exploring topics such as black culture, inequality,
institutionalized racism, and mental health. Lamar encourages listeners to fight against
adversity and reach their highest form of self despite the constant war against Black people.
● Hail H.I.M. - Burning Spear
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1980 reggae album incorporating philosophical elements and a push for militancy. The album
also features nods to Marcus Garvey, a revolutionary figure in Black politics and activism who
believed that all Black people should start their own nation, similar to the ideas of the Five
Percent Nation which came years later.
BOOKS
● The Famished Road by Ben Okri
The Famished Road i s a novel by Ben Okri which follows the story of a spirit-child named
Azaro. The novel bridges together the spiritual world with the “real” world. The author argues
that the intertwining of these two worlds is crucial to African traditional life.
● Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
A traditional Chinese text from 6th century sage Laozi and is a guide to Chinese Taosim.
Dougher uses this book to inform the spiritual elements of his work. Taoism advocates for
religious piety and humility. “Tao” is the substance of all existing beings. Once an individual
becomes one with Tao, they can live an enlightened existence.
● Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho
This book is a companion to the book The Alchemist which encourages readers to embrace
their dreams, welcome uncertainty, and become our best selves. This directly relates to
Dougher’s concept that Godliness exists within all of us, we just have to find it.
● Olodumare by God in the Yoruba Belief by E. Bolaji Idowu
The Yoruba religion is a system of spiritual concepts of the Yoruba people. Within this religion it
is believed that all humans hold “Ayanmo,” or destiny and over time should become one with
Olodumare, the divine creator.
● Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
Siddhartha is a novel about the spiritual journey of Siddhartha who is alive during the existence
of Gautama Buddha. The character goes on a journey of self-actualization and divinity in order
to discover the meaning of life.
MOVIES
● The Last Black Man in San Francisco
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Last Black Man in San Francisco f ollows Jimmie and Mont who attempt to reclaim a home that
Jimmie’s grandfather built. The film deals with topics of home, friendship, and discovering one’s
purpose.
● Beasts of the Southern Wild
Beasts of the Southern Wild s hows the life of 6-year-old Hushpuppy and her father Wink who
must navigate rising waters in their remote Delta community. She goes about this journey on
her own, discovering new worlds and new things about herself.
● The Fall
The Fall is a 2006 drama that follows two characters, one bedridden and one hospitalized, and
a fantastical story set on a desert island. The film deals with the various ways that humans
imagine and recount stories. Each character uses their own experience to envision the story
that is being told.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
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Works Cited
Allah, Wakeel. I n the Name of Allah: a History of Clarence 13X and the Five Percenters. Vol. 1,
A-Team Pub., 2009.
Bewaji, John A.I. “Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief and the Theistic Problem of Evil.” African
Studies Quarterly, vol. 2, no. 1, 1998.
Johnson, Christopher. “God, the Black Man and the Five Percenters.” N
PR, NPR, 4 Aug. 2006,
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5614846.
Lee, Martha F. The Nation of Islam: an American Millenarian Movement. Syracuse University
Press, 1996.
“The Orishas.” T
he Orishas, Indiana University Bloomington,
www.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html.
Sawe, Benjamin Elisha. “What Is The Yoruba Religion? Yoruba Beliefs and Origin.” WorldAtlas,
WorldAtlas, 17 Apr. 2019, www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-yoruba-religion.html.
“‘The Black Church," a Brief History.” African American Registry, 1 Nov. 2017,
aaregistry.org/story/the-black-church-a-brief-history/.
*We do not own the images used in this article, except our MoCADA Logo
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