Friday 10 July 2015

Kosmein Shirt

Acrylic and ink on canvas.

Talismans are objects imbued with a metaphysical power intended to provide good luck or protection to the wearer. These magical properties were embedded into the item through the labor of copying sacred texts, and the careful design of ordered symbols inscribed upon its surface.

Talismanic shirts were worn by warriors underneath their armor, with their divine power protecting them in battle. Versions of talismanic shirts from Iran, Turkey, and India are held in museum collections around the world, and date back to 15th century.

Based on the pattern of talismanic shirts, this painting is a symbol of order and protection. Kosmein "to arrange, adorn," is related to the Greek word kosmos, it was used to describe both the arrangement of garments on the body, and of the stars and planets in the universe.

It will be shown as part of the group show Adornism at the Ballery Berlin, with an opening night on the 7th of August from 6pm.

The stars are just other bodies, like the sun.

©ADG 2015

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