FIRST EDITION ARTIST BOOKS:

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A limited run of 10 signed copies of the first released chapter of Saint's upcoming book Sainte-terre-er are available to purchase. The chapter details the 40 Hours Devotion (Cave Christ) performance and its Relics. The 32 page book contains several previously unseen images of The Cave as well as reproductions of The Relics. Please e-mail Grace Saint to purchase a copy.

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Signed First Edition £40   4 sold 6 remaining

Test Copy £20   SOLD OUT

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Abstract

Sainte-terre-er presents a deeply personal exploration of Christian faith in relation to queerness underpinned by the all consuming nature of grief. Using the traditional framing of The Holy Trinity the methodology is one of relabelling and reappropriating this framework. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit become The Queer, The Christian and The Rat. The central point of God is replaced by The Artist - The Creator. The methodology is clear in the fact that this is not a pilgrimage, there is no predetermined goal and no retreat to starting point, the aim is an even encompassing of my artistic methodology whereby the elements of my trinity are separate equal and whole. Non-denominational in faith and non-binary in gender identity the work seeks to both demonstrate and question how controversial ideas and elements can fluidly coexist and contribute to evolving LGBTQ+ Christian communities. Navigating Christian faith deconstruction for the institutionally ostracised, the artistic practice engages audiences with emotional intimacy and often humour to challenge the conservative institutional values aiming to share divine moments of Truth rather than perpetuating fear.

 

The writing style is a frottage. There are disruptions of spontaneous vocalisation and unconventional text in the form of self-centred-quotes resembling glossolalia. In Christian Pentecostal traditions, glossolalia is understood as divine communication, bypassing ordinary language to allow a deeper connection with the sacred. The texts fragmentation is reminiscent of Hélène Cixous and Jacques Derrida’s understanding of a traumatised persons ability to convey their experiences in coherent and linear ways. This mirrors trauma’s ineffability but reframes it as transcendent rather than pathological.