jesus christ is a girl

Zooming out from the individual, several artists in the show explore the related theme of the spaces that shape us: our homes and communities. What are the internal dynamics and outer boundaries of these spaces? On what terms do we agree to be part of a community or society? How do we create alternate spaces within them?

Bella Luna Wolfe Morand’s works are similarly anchored by a simplified schematization of home—a found child’s mat that features an illustration of a small town, complete with a school, playground, store, and police station. With this poster-size image, Morand playfully orients viewers to the framework of society that adults commonly teach to children. But the artist has intervened on top of that strangely disproportionate town map: red marker outlines a crucifixion scene where, in place of the expected figure of Jesus, a pregnant woman hangs. We see the fetus outlined as if via X-ray. A viewer might interpret this work, Jesus Christ is a Girl, as a critique of religion, a commentary on contemporary society’s treatment of women, or a protest against the increasingly dire conditions of the right to abortions and other health care. An altar-like arrangement on the shelf under this image could suggest a desire for devotion, a need for salvation, or an irreverence toward the larger structures of society.

bellamorand@gmail.com