Morgaine Faye - Opulent Corpse
Portland artist Morgaine Faye previously exhibited at Talon Gallery back in 2016. Her latest solo show features a collection of both paintings and relics. Below are some words from the artist about the series:
Decrepit, dusty bones, long rid of flesh, lovingly articulated and delicately wrapped in rose-patterned lace, stitched with golden threads, embellished with jewels, and posed on high.
Historically, reliquaries held the remains or belongings of holy individuals, preserving them in intricate structures, surrounded by elaborate ornamentation, exhibiting their divine importance. Precious objects, carefully protected, to be revered for generations.
These new reliquaries seek to preserve and exhibit the inherent divinity of nature. Utilizing scavenged bones, discarded trophies, fine metals, and precious gemstones - all treasures of the Earth - this work seeks to preserve and transform the terrestrial into the immortal, for all to cherish and revere, forever.
But what good is a legacy without a future?
This body of work was created while pondering of the absurdity of creating art and 'luxury objects' such as jewelry, during what feels like the end-times. A crisis of purpose.
These works explore this dark mindset, and are centered on a pessimistic and doubtful view about our collective ability to preserve and protect our shared planetary home.
Imagine the absurdity of a corpse, dressed in opulent finery, carrying all of its ill-gotten treasures with it into oblivion.
Who will read the epitaph when all language ceases to exist?
- Morgaine Faye
