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
Schwietzer Gallery
Indianapolis, Indiana
On view until November 29, 2019
Circle City Industrial Complex
Schwietzer Gallery
Indianapolis, Indiana
On All Saints Day, November 1, 2019 the ‘Saints’ will activate their Saint Candles as part of an installation illuminating the sacred gallery space in CCIC. Each of ‘the Saint Candles’ is a unique art object that, when lit, reveals the identity of the spirit of the Saint within. In response to the divisive identity politics that define our current sociocultural dynamic, conceptual artist Ventiko returned to the community of her youth in search of inspiration and light. Over a one-month period, she photographed a diverse group of 59 Indianapolis community members (from Trump Voters to Transgender people) in intimate, personal environments designed to tell individual stories beyond the veils of stereotype, assumption and the polarization of politics.
Phos Hilaron: From the Masses Rise the Saints originally debuted in New York City during the first 100 days of the Trump administration and featured a cross section of 100 urban creatives who, while each unique in their own right, more than likely all voted the same way. This adaptation focuses not just on the beauty of difference and individuality, but emphasizes homogeny is not harmony, rather respect and inclusion of all is.
Ventiko transformed the main gallery at CCIC into a site-specific installation paying homage to the Saints by incorporating locally sourced corn (gathered from fields by Ventiko) to feature the candles, each of which were pre-purchased by the Saints themselves. This 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 59 Saint Candles, 100 artist books featuring Saint portraits and autobiographies are available for purchase. Bound together in this form, they cannot be separated or segregated.
Our identities are informed by our individual and shared experiences. Ventiko feels blessed and honored to have so many people illuminating her path with their Phos Hilaron, Light of Joy. This exhibition is for them.
Phos Hilaron: From the Masses Rise the Saints originally debuted in New York City during the first 100 days of the Trump administration and featured a cross section of 100 urban creatives who, while each unique in their own right, more than likely all voted the same way. This adaptation focuses not just on the beauty of difference and individuality, but emphasizes homogeny is not harmony, rather respect and inclusion of all is.
Ventiko transformed the main gallery at CCIC into a site-specific installation paying homage to the Saints by incorporating locally sourced corn (gathered from fields by Ventiko) to feature the candles, each of which were pre-purchased by the Saints themselves. This 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 59 Saint Candles, 100 artist books featuring Saint portraits and autobiographies are available for purchase. Bound together in this form, they cannot be separated or segregated.
Our identities are informed by our individual and shared experiences. Ventiko feels blessed and honored to have so many people illuminating her path with their Phos Hilaron, Light of Joy. 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