Doors of Perception Experience (D.O.P.E)

Take a transformative Journey into Self, Culture, and Relational Intelligence

The Doors of Perception is not just an art installation; it is a portal into realms of memory, healing, and cultural reclamation. Conceived by visionary artist Ricky, the work consists of twenty four upcycled doors, each meticulously transformed into a unique piece of visual storytelling. These doors, once discarded objects, now stand as sentinels of history, resilience, and transcendence, embodying themes central to Ricky’s life and philosophy. With The Doors, Ricky invites viewers on a journey through his own experiences and the collective experiences of communities marginalized, forgotten, and displaced. Both a personal and universal offering, the installation calls us to confront our own perceptions, question established narratives and engage in a shared process of healing and self-discovery.

In this work, each door becomes a symbol of the passage from trauma to transcendence, a theme that resonates deeply within Ricky’s Afro-Indigenous heritage. Drawing on the legacies of wisdom traditions and reclamation, The Doors of Perception Project reclaims not only physical materials but also cultural narratives that have been lost or distorted over time. This experience is both a nod to the past and a declaration of the future—a call to reconnect with heritage, honor the resilience of ancestors, and engage in the ongoing process of cultural and personal reclamation. As viewers encounter these doors, they are invited to step beyond the visible and into an unseen world where art, memory, and spirit converge.

Cultural Significance & the Power of Reclamation

At its core, The Project is an act of reclamation. The doors, salvaged from forgotten spaces and repurposed as canvases, echo Ricky’s mission of reclaiming lost histories, fragmented identities, and displaced cultures. The installation is deeply rooted in Afro-Indigenous and African American heritage, reflecting the resilience of these communities and their enduring wisdom traditions. For Ricky, who has experienced displacement through foster care and transracial adoption, these doors hold an intensely personal symbolism: they represent a journey toward identity, belonging, and spiritual awakening. Through his art, Ricky reclaims not only his own narrative but also a collective history that speaks to the survival and creativity of marginalized peoples.

Each door serves as an emblem of resilience, offering a visual narrative that honors the complexity of Afro-American, Indigenous histories, and the collective story of humanity. As a whole, the installation challenges conventional representations of these cultures, expanding the canon of art history to include voices and perspectives often overlooked. It invites viewers to question what has been lost in the passage of time and to honor the wisdom that has survived. Ricky’s work in the project becomes a bridge, connecting ancestral knowledge with contemporary consciousness—a portal through which past and present merge, and through which viewers are invited to step into their own cultural memory.

A Multi-Layered Exploration of Identity & Healing

The personal and cultural significance of the project reflects Ricky’s own journey through identity and healing. The installation is infused with his experiences as a foster youth, a transracial adoptee, and a Black man navigating complex societal landscapes. Each door is a step in Ricky’s path toward self-discovery, as he transitioned from a place of dislocation to a space of empowerment. The symbolism embedded in these doors reflects the experiences of countless others who have faced displacement, systemic erasure, and generational trauma. Through this installation, Ricky provides a path not only for himself but also for those who share his journey, creating a communal space for self-reflection, empathy, and understanding.

With The Doors of Perception Experience, Ricky explores themes of identity, survival, and transformation. The doors become thresholds through which viewers are invited to examine their own inner landscapes, to confront questions of belonging, and to recognize the power of self-reclamation. Each door offers a distinct narrative, yet together they create a cohesive exploration of what it means to transcend adversity and reimagine identity. For Ricky, this work is a testament to the healing power of art and its ability to serve as medicine for those seeking to overcome personal and generational wounds. The installation is not only a reflection of Ricky’s path but also a mirror for viewers to contemplate their own experiences of loss, growth, and renewal.

A Threshold to the Mystical and the Sacred

The project is grounded in the mystical and sacred, blending Ricky’s heritage with a visionary Afro-futurist perspective. Each door invites the viewer into a state of expanded awareness, challenging them to perceive beyond the visible and into the unseen. Created from an ancient pre-colonial Wisdom Traditions and initiatory rites of passage, the Doors of Perception installation experience serves a ceremonial function, holding space so viewers can transcend the mundane and step into a realm of collective consciousness. The doors act as conduits between worlds—between the physical and the spiritual, the known and the unknown. In this space, art becomes a ritual, a means of connecting with ancestral voices and unlocking latent wisdom.

Ricky’s vision is to use these doors as pathways to expanded awareness, encouraging viewers to reconnect with their own inner depths and the broader cosmos. Each door, with its intricate symbols and layered meanings, guides viewers on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, inviting them to question established realities and explore alternative perspectives. This connection to the mystical reflects Ricky’s commitment to bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary insights, offering a transcendent experience that speaks to the timeless human quest for understanding and enlightenment.

An Offering to Humanity and the Future

The Doors hold a powerful message for humanity, inviting viewers to confront their own identities and cultural inheritances. This unique art experience challenges us to acknowledge the histories and wisdom that have shaped our world and to consider our roles in preserving or reshaping those legacies. In this way, the installation serves as both an offering and a call to action. Ricky envisions this work as a contribution to the continuity of humanity—a way of reclaiming what has been lost and ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in diversity, empathy, and understanding.

Through The project, Ricky redefines the role of art in society, positioning it as a critical medium for dialogue, reflection, and transformation. The Doors of Perception Experience challenges viewers to engage with history, to honor resilience, and to contribute to a world where art, culture, and spirit are valued as integral parts of the human experience. Ricky’s work points to a future where art serves as a bridge, connecting people across cultures and generations, fostering unity and mutual respect. 

Entering The Doors of Perception

The Doors provide an immersive experience, akin to stepping into a sanctuary of memory and possibility. Viewers encounter a physical and spiritual journey, moving from door to door, absorbing layers of symbolism, and confronting emotions that may range from sorrow to empowerment. Each door is a world unto itself, yet together they create a cohesive narrative that resonates with the soul. For those who engage deeply, the installation offers a chance to undergo a personal transformation, to expand their own perception and reconnect with a shared humanity. 

In a world often defined by division and disconnection, The Project serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and the potential for unity. Ricky’s work is a call to remember—to remember who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. It is a portal through which we are invited to step into our own stories, to confront our own perceptions, and to envision a future that honors our shared past. As viewers leave the experience, they carry with them a sense of possibility, a renewed understanding of resilience, and a deeper connection to the collective spirit that binds us all.