New Living Art IV, I.M.O.C.A., Dublin, IRL (2013)
Eoin O'Dowd - 'A Safe Economy' : Sculptural assemblage of coffin adornments from a Dublin cemetery (2013).
Text:
This sculptural wall assemblage consists of a collection of golden coffin adornments, serving as symbolic objects that embody both social inheritance and cultural artifacts from an era characterized by mass production. Sacred objects manufactured for the safest economy, that is the honoring of the dearly departed. Rooted in the reverence industry, this installation draws inspiration from Kierkegaard's absurdist solutions philosophy, particularly the notion of a transcendental realm.
Production lines of tiny imitation golden messiahs, reminiscent of ancestor adoration, are nailed to their little crucifixes and shipped away for financial and spiritual consumption becoming all but commodities when their societal function is realised.
Once completed, these adorned crucifixes are dispatched for both financial and spiritual consumption, transforming from revered symbols into commodities with a widely recognized societal function. The juxtaposition of sacred symbolism with mass production speaks to the complex interplay between spirituality, economic considerations, and the tangible expression of cultural values. The installation prompts contemplation on the evolving nature of the sacred within the context of our modern consumption driven society.
This sculptural wall assemblage consists of a collection of golden coffin adornments, serving as symbolic objects that embody both social inheritance and cultural artifacts from an era characterized by mass production. Sacred objects manufactured for the safest economy, that is the honoring of the dearly departed. Rooted in the reverence industry, this installation draws inspiration from Kierkegaard's absurdist solutions philosophy, particularly the notion of a transcendental realm.
Production lines of tiny imitation golden messiahs, reminiscent of ancestor adoration, are nailed to their little crucifixes and shipped away for financial and spiritual consumption becoming all but commodities when their societal function is realised.
Once completed, these adorned crucifixes are dispatched for both financial and spiritual consumption, transforming from revered symbols into commodities with a widely recognized societal function. The juxtaposition of sacred symbolism with mass production speaks to the complex interplay between spirituality, economic considerations, and the tangible expression of cultural values. The installation prompts contemplation on the evolving nature of the sacred within the context of our modern consumption driven society.
