Angelico (detail) 2012, Lisa Nilsson
Lisa Nilsson has produced some exquisitely detailed anatomy themed paper work, imitating the scientific method of slicing bodies with delicate paper crafted pieces framed in precious shrine-like boxes. I absolutely love the contrast of anatomical crude sliced meat and her delicate work, and the combination of the scientific and religious. These are anatomical three dimensional illustrations, presented in the language of holly, cherished objects: the wooden tryptics, the guilded edges of old books, the soft velvet padded boxes, the contemplative and time-consuming process. These old technique, quilling was "first practiced by Renaissance nuns and monks who are said to have made artistic use of the gilded edges of worn out bibles." (Lisa Nilsson)
Head and Torso, 2010, Lisa Nilsson
"I employ a device of making all of the bones in my work from the gilded edges of old books. I do this for aesthetic reasons as well as a means of pulling the pieces away from the world of scientific specimens and a bit more in the direction of religious reliquaries." Lisa Nilsson.
Praying Hands, 2012, Lisa Nilsson
The religious and anatomical keep coming together in unexpected ways... the preserved soul-less sliced human meat segments, the embelished saintly remains in reliquaries, the golden adorned Bible pages, the meticolous devoted craft of monks and nuns. The violent vision of the insides decorated and embellished, elevated above its earthly and mortal phisicality, infused with spiritual value.
