CRISTIN MILLETT

An extension of my research includes “sacred anatomy,” the pre-16th century practice of dismembering cadavers, particularly nobility and saints, in order to disperse the remains/relics for widespread worship of relics. This series of sculptures draws from Catholicism as a starting point, but the pieces were triggered by our current turbulent political climate. Threats to gender and racial equality, women’s empowerment, reproductive rights, voting rights, and intersectional human rights are shredding the fabric of society. Growing disparities permeate our daily lives, fueled by divisive speech and hateful actions. Through my work, I pose questions, raise awareness, and sound the alarm.

Slip of the Tongue – for Anthony is comprised of a cast iron tongue from which spills silver and silver-plate spoons. St. Anthony was known for his powerful preaching. He died in 1231.  Curiously, when his body was exhumed 32 years later, it had completely decomposed, except for his tongue. I am thinking about wealth, being born with an abundance of silver spoons, so much so that they are spilling out, almost vomiting out of one’s mouth into a pile.