Interpretation of "Ecstasy of saint Teresa". Original work by Lorenzo Bernini, 1652(ish) is an altarpiece. The way how I arranged the works/this exhibition had clear connection to an altar as well. Symmetrical works on the sides/wings, and main composition/photography in the central place.

The photography itself is a digital collage of Bernini's work, and a plastic bag trash I photographed by the road. This piece offers many metaphors and various ways for interpretations .Oktober 2023, in my newly opened studio gallery.

Working title: Each one is different.

I was walking on a rainy day, when I saw a big piece of plastic laying by the road. Its shape reminded me immediately of the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini.

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a baroque sculpture, or a group of sculptures made by Italian artist -Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1645-1652). The figure of Saint Teresa is the center of his installation. Her body is covered by rich draperies, and her face has an expression of ecstasy, also often compared to an orgasmic expression.

I took some photos, then got back to my studio and photo edited, by combining these images of plastic and Bernini’s sculpture.

After I collaged these photos, more thoughts started to come into my mind. One was about the balance of feelings from female perspective. Women who in one moment can feel adored as saint and holy, and in the next second feel like disposable garbage. Balancing on the edge of being an object of desire-and unwanted leftovers. About having power and giving away power through intimate relations.  

Our society is still male dominated. And however, women are getting more power, the situation is not balanced yet. When it comes to sexual culture, we are still living in a very hetero male culture, where it seems like sex was invented only of men’s pleasure. There is lots of pressure on women when it comes to sexual relationship.

My idea is to present these images, this installation, and awaken some thoughts around this power dichotomy. Women can keep their power if they choose to and use it in the best way for them. A transformation from feeling like a garbage by the road, into feeling like a saint or a goddess. From feeling like leftovers, to becoming an object of desire. Balance between feeling of powerlessness and gaining the power.