Sanctified is a window show by Rainn Thomas, opened on Saturday, May 7th along with Neo-Tang by Paul Nudd and Max Morris. The window show will be on view until June 3rd in the windows of Co-Prosperity.
Thomas hosted an open-mic during last week's opening reception, and hosts them monthly through Fruit Salad: a queer, monthly open mic that centers LGBTQ community in Chicago. You can find more information about them on their instagram here.
Documentation by COLECTIVO MULTIPOLAR.
Sanctified is a physical embodiment of an exploration into various sides of Christianity told through a Black lens. The installation features three main components that represent a physical exploration of religious trauma hidden behind pleasing aesthetics, and its infantilizing effects on Black people. Religion is addressed in pastel and jewel tones throughout the piece, using the muted, and sometimes sickly sweet color palette to call forth a feeling of having eaten too much candy, or a sheep in wolves clothing.
A “flock” of church hats, represents both the mark that Black women have made in contemporary religion and the undertones of misplaced whimsy.
In addition is a hand-built, small-scale pew, an easily recognizable religious artifact, its occupants stuffed animals instead of churchgoers.
Scattered about are thick, white bibles. A centerpiece of many Christian homes, with yet another nod to the presence of Blackness in modern Christianity.
Among the bibles are various kitschy religious items, referring once again to the innocence of young religious goers, who are either not yet or have not experienced trauma.
Finally, a simple looping video showing the artist’s feet encased in adult “church shoes” and socks, a reminder that religious trauma, despite its kitchy wrapping paper, remains.
“Sanctified” invites viewers to take a trip through religious nostalgia, and to ponder hidden harbingers of trauma.
About Rainn Thomas
Rainn (She/They) is a Black, queer writer and artist living in Chicago. Her writing explores the intersections of Black pop culture and religion, as well as Black sexuality. Her work has been published in various publications online.Rainn also hosts a queer, monthly open mic called, “Fruit Salad”. Rainn’s artistic work focuses on found-object installation and photography. Her installation, “Sanctified”, is her debut work as an artist.