Phos Hilaron: From the Masses Rise the Saints
Opening Reception November 1, 2019, All Saints Day, 6-9 p.m.
On view until November 29, 2019
Circle City Industrial Complex
Indianapolis, Indiana
Ventiko’s Phos Hilaron: From the Masses Rise the Saints is an art action of exaltation and togetherness countering the current socio-political landscape. On All Saints Day, November 1, 2019 the ‘Saints’ will activate their Saint Candles existing in an installation illuminating the sacred gallery space. Each of ‘the Saint Candles’ is a unique art object that, when lit, reveals the identity of the spirit of the Saint within. As a response to our current state of the world, conceptual artist Ventiko returned to the community of her youth, as a source of inspiration and light. In a one-month period, she photographed each of ‘the Saints’ in an intimately customized environment designed to enhance their uniqueness and individuality. Ventiko transformed the main gallery at CCIC into a site-specific installation paying homage to the Saints by incorporating local flora and fauna to feature the Saint Candles, each of which has been pre-purchased by the Saints. This unique personal crowdsourcing model mirrors the spirit of collectivism that Ventiko has embodied in the creation of this art action. Exhibited together, the Saints are a celebration of the beauty of difference and divinity of unity. In addition to the Saint Candles, 50 artist books of the portraits and the Saints’ autobiographies are available for purchase. Bound together in this form, they cannot be separated or segregated. Our identities are informed by our history and all of our experiences and enhanced by those in our lives. Ventiko feels blessed and is honored to have so many people illuminate her path with their divine spirit and their Phos Hilaron, Light of Joy. As a gesture of gratitude, this exhibition is for them.
WE CONTROL OUR DESTINY
This is the second iteration of Phos Hilaron: From the Masses Rise the Saints. The first was held at Chinatown Soup in Lower Manhattan and featured 100 local “Saints” all photographed and exhibited during the first 100 days of the Trump Presidency.
For more information please contact gallerists Tony Quintana and Maria Behringer at quintanabehringer@gmail.com