In the tranquil countryside of Buena Vista, Georgia, lies an extraordinary 7-acre spectacle known as Pasaquan. Described by its supporters at Columbus State University as a 'Mock-Precolumbian Psychedelic Wonderland,' this unique art environment is a testament to the creative vision of its creator, Eddie Owens Martin, better known as St. EOM.
Pasaquan comprises six structures adorned with vibrant murals and more than 900 feet of meticulously-painted masonry. The design is an eclectic fusion of pre-Columbian Mexican, African, and Native American cultural and religious symbols, interwoven with motifs inspired by James Churchward's book "The Lost Continent of MU," which narrates the tale of a mythical lost continent.
The story behind Pasaquan is as fascinating as the site itself. In 1935, during a high fever, Eddie Owens Martin reportedly experienced a supernatural vision that compelled him to change his ways and embrace a new religion called Pasaquoyanism. Accepting this calling, Martin adopted the name St. EOM, pronounced "ohm," and became the world's first Pasaquoyan. He spent the next 21 years in New York City, developing this spiritual belief system and crafting a distinct Pasaquoyan aesthetic.
In 1956, St. EOM had another vision that instructed him to return to his recently-deceased mother's farm near Buena Vista. There, he worked as a fortune teller and card reader while dedicating the last three decades of his life to the creation of Pasaquan.
After St. EOM's passing, the Pasaquan Preservation Society partnered with the Kohler Foundation, a philanthropic art preservation organization, to restore the site in 2014. The restored Pasaquan was then entrusted to Columbus State University in 2016.
Today, Pasaquan welcomes visitors and hosts workshops that celebrate St. EOM's legacy and promote creative diversity. The university employs approximately ten interns who assist in maintaining the site, and a resident artist program encourages the creation of new works inspired by Pasaquan and St. EOM's vision.
Pasaquan is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Located about 30 miles southeast of Columbus, Georgia, at 238 Eddie Martin Rd., the site suggests a contribution of $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for students.
This phantasmagoric wonderland stands as a testament to the power of individual vision and the enduring impact of outsider art. Pasaquan invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of vibrant colors, intricate symbolism, and the extraordinary imagination of St. EOM, making it a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of rural Georgia.
