Microflagellations

The “mortification of flesh” is a religious practice of self-harm to elevate oneself towards higher purpose.  In a sense, this practice acts as proof of devotion.  Using violence towards one’s body as a sign of selflessness, the body is irrelevant when communing towards a higher purpose. 

Aside from the most devout, modern communities rarely engage in these acts of prostration.  However, there are many instances in our daily lives in which we enact self-harm, often with the most mundane of activities.  Our chores – cleaning with caustic agents, breathing particulate matter while clearing debris, shockingly loud vacuums – are attacks on our corporeal body, albeit in smaller, less obvious ways.

In essence, we perform “microflagellations” on ourselves, but without consequence.  Our devotion is towards living life with ease, with relative comfort.  Our selflessness is in the ongoing performance of these tasks towards our own greater good.

With these pieces, I question what is devotion?  How do we perceive the heavens?  Can we elevate our “microflagellations” into the realm of exalted awareness? 


Book art

Closed: 4" x 6", bookcloth covered board; concertina binding; holy cards, watercolor, copper foil; laser copy


Holy cards

2.5" x 3.5", holy cards, acrylic, watercolor


Holy card landscapes

12" x 6", holy cards, watercolor paper, acrylic, watercolor


Prayer

Found on the backs of holy cards, this prayer contrasts our chores to religious practice.

My chores, mundane and tiresome, test my will to carry them forth.
It is a view of a distant, yet better way of life that encourages me through my struggle.
Please help me see the consequences of my non-action.
Please help me see that as humanity, we all face the same struggle to maintain ourselves in the face of life.
Please help me see that this struggle is my salvation; it only builds strength of character and moral good.
Please help me see that my devotion to what may seem as an unpleasant burden is necessary to nurture my existence.
Although I face hardship to keep to my daily undertakings, I remain faithful that my work will benefit all those I love.

Verse

The verse is written in the style of instructional poems, often found in Hadith. 

Stand in front of a microwave
Set power to high, time to 20 seconds
Press start
Observe
Measure a ½ cup of bleach
Pour into a toilet bowl
Stand overhead
Breathe
Plug in a vacuum
Position over a hard surface
Turn the power on
Listen
Create a pile of outdoor debris
Aim a leaf blower towards the pile
Turn the power on
Breathe
Obtain a bucket
Fill with all-purpose cleaner and water
Wring a dishcloth in the solution
Wipe clean

Clouds

Clouds are associated with the heavens.  Watercolors are used on the holy cards and landscapes. 

6" x 6", watercolor

12" x 6", watercolor