ritual
depictions of body modification demonstrate how physical changes can have a sacred, transformative, spiritual effect that exceeds the body’s limitations.
Hair Angels
Mixed Media
12 x 20 inches
“Three guardian angels bleach, cut, and style hair, acting as conduits between the worlds of unmodified and transformed bodies.”
As a semi-permanent body modification, hair bleaching, braiding, and cutting are more accessible, temporary ways to explore visual expression and body art. The artistry of Black hair, especially, is ceremonial and sacrosanct.
Stretch
Ink
12.5 x 24.75 inches
“Ear stretching as a mortification of the flesh in the manner of Christ in the Stations of the Cross.”
Fourteen sequential illustrations represent a nine-year ear-stretching journey. Details within indicate age and changes in appearance in alignment with medical transition, loss, and re-exploration of faith.
Corpus christi
Digital
11 x 17 inches
“Tattoos, piercings, and alchemical imagery illustrate the body-mind-soul connection.”
Early Renaissance ideas of the body are contrasted with symbols of bread, wine, and Communion to reveal the transformative powers of body modification.
doctrine
Charcoal
16 x 20 inches
“Alteration of the ‘natural’ body via corsetry alludes to the restrictive nature of religious doctrine.”
A nun’s back, bare except for the white collar as she removes her black habit. The pressure marks of a corset visibly imprint on her skin are the marks of a corset like a holy stigmata wound.
The piercing prayer
Risograph print
4 x 6 inch card
“‘Divine Praises’ to promote aftercare and aid the healing process of a piercing.”
Religious ceremonies unite with the secular practice of piercing through prayer and faith in the practitioner of a ritual.
Patron saint of pins
Mixed Media
12 x 16 inch panel
“The dignification of hook suspension as a miraculous, painful initiation of sainthood.”
Part of a triptych confronting the notion of the “body as a temple” used to discredit body modification practices. The use of bright light and colour, primarily yellow, presents roots in a history of Hinduistic devotion and spiritual enlightenment.
Patron saint of plastic
Mixed Media
12 x 16 inch panel
“Opposing religious narratives against body modification and transsexuality, changing “God-given” characteristics of the physical form is celebrated and sacred.”
Part of a triptych depicting body modifications of a more medical nature: sub-dermal implants, bodily augmentation, and hormone replacement therapy. The figure stands on a silicone breast implant, reminiscent in stature and decorum of Botticelli‘s The Birth of Venus.
Patron saint of pain
Mixed Media
12 x 16 inch panel
“The process of undergoing suffering for the sake of adornment is honoured as a Christ-like sacrifice.”
Part of a triptych depicting painful body modifications as Catholic saint portraits, inspired by Bernini’s Ecstasy of St. Teresa. The intense, primary magenta calls to the symbolism and importance of bloodshed in scarification practices.