La Luz de Jesus.

 La Luz de Jesus on Melrose in L.A. is one of my favorite art galleries in the world. They feature a wide range of pieces from the fringes of the art world--from naive, demented hillbilly art to cutting-edge tattoo and comic book creations. I don't always like the works, but they're always interesting.

Unfortunately, I just missed a stunning show there that looks like it hits most of my hot buttons: skeletons, religious iconography, and wonderful, unexpected looniness.

I'll let them describe it:

“Heavenly Bodies”

Dr. Paul Koudounaris

In 1578, a labyrinth of underground burials assumed to be the remains of thousands of early Christian martyrs was discovered in Rome. The bones of these “catacomb saints” were then disinterred and sent to Catholic churches and religious houses to replace holy relics destroyed during the Reformation. Reassembled by skilled artisans, encrusted with gold and jewels and richly dressed in fantastic, colorful costumes, the skeletons were displayed in elaborate public shrines as reminders of the spiritual treasures that awaited the faithful after death. For nearly three centuries these ornate “Heavenly Bodies” were venerated as miracle-workers and protectors until doubts about their authenticity surfaced in the modern era. They then became a source of embarrassment for the Church and most were destroyed or hidden away.

 

I am awed and grateful that such things exist.

More awesomeness here.

P.