Glitteris Shrine is a space of worship and healing for the self.
Through writing and storytelling, the viewer is invited into an in-depth exploration of how I present myself to the world through subversive femininity--the use of clothing, make-up, accessories as intentional tools, as forms of armor. As a woman, as a queer woman, as a queer femme woman, as a queer femme woman survivor of sexual assault, how I choose to present myself to the world, through a femme context, is an act of resistance against the patriarchy, against heteronormativity, against rape culture. The tools at my disposal -- clothing, make-up, accessories -- act as my armor against these systems. Community is what grounds me; to have folks with whom I can be in conversation -- day to day talk, storytelling, organizing -- and to have the means and the space to share and learn with each other is vital.
Through writing and storytelling, the viewer is invited into an in-depth exploration of how I present myself to the world through subversive femininity--the use of clothing, make-up, accessories as intentional tools, as forms of armor. As a woman, as a queer woman, as a queer femme woman, as a queer femme woman survivor of sexual assault, how I choose to present myself to the world, through a femme context, is an act of resistance against the patriarchy, against heteronormativity, against rape culture. The tools at my disposal -- clothing, make-up, accessories -- act as my armor against these systems. Community is what grounds me; to have folks with whom I can be in conversation -- day to day talk, storytelling, organizing -- and to have the means and the space to share and learn with each other is vital.
Reproduction of a portrait painting of Beatrice Cenci.
(looking across and down at Glitteris Shrine from across the gallery)
(looking across and down at Glitteris Shrine from across the gallery)
Glitteris was installed during a 5-month program in Rome, housed in the Palazetto Cenci, which was part of the home of Rome's historic 16th century family -- the Cencis.
Francesco Cenci, after physically, mentally, and emotionally abusing his entire family, sexually assaulted daughter Beatrice. The family then planned and executed Francesco's murder, attempting to frame the action as an accident. The family was put on trial and found guilty of Francesco's murder. They were subsequently jailed and sentenced to death. Beatrice, along with her mother and one brother, was publicly executed on a bridge in Rome on the 11th of September, 1599.
