Three translucent Japanese Kozo paper tunics are relief printed with horse hair, coated with encaustic wax and hung from their supports. Horse is sewn through the paper. The translucency of the paper provides an ephemeral, skin-like presentation. Salt, a symbol of protection, encircles the display below.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation considers the concepts behind belief systems turned on their side and hypocrisy as it relates to discredited world views.
Historically, Hair shirts made of rough fiber or animal hair were worn over bare skin by religious ascetics to create a constant state of self abuse and as an act of contrition for sins committed.
In this artwork, hair is sewn to the outside of the shirt and away from the body. The false hair shirts are dramatic and simply for show; antithetical to their original intent and a costume of pretense. The imposter is present.
