A relic is an object that has survived for many years and, in a religious context, has a significance so great that they are protective and can even perform miracles. This is an interesting notion of almost magical powers, so I naturally wished to find out more.

The article presents us with 10 relics that are still worshiped in modern society. The first is the holy shroud or Turin which is a piece of cloth that supposedly covered the face of Christ. As modern technology advanced and the art of photography progressed, it was noticed that it looks 'more detailed in the negative' which would suggest that the cloth is a reversed negative of his face which is far 'beyond the capacities of medieval forgers' (Jones 2013). Here it is clear that the piece is not of the decent of Christ, but rather a modern replica/fabrication of a relic. This juxtaposition of modern imaging techniques with 'ancient' artifacts is quite interesting; this could be an element of my project as I try to explore ways of modernizing religion, as it were.

Holy Shroud of Turin

The head of St Catherine of Siena is a mummified head preserved in the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, Siena. This is quite a horrific looking relic and is quite honestly repulsive to look at, yet Christians still look to her for advice and sanctity. I find it strange that in such a developing world people are still stuck in the past with this dried head, being almost transported to 'a dark and primitive living past' (Jones 2013). Burials and cremations are considered a respectful way to be put to rest however, poor Catherine is subject to endless exposure and vulnerability in this church. The ornate and the grotesque, the ostentatious decoration of Catholosism and ancient practice of mummification are paired together here.  I could create my own relics, create body parts of people that I deem to be important and worth preserving. I could have my own 'ritual' of mummification of an object that is important in today's society, to 'found' in the future as an outdated artefact, like that of Saint Catherines head. 

The finger of St Thomas is also said to be preserved in the church of Santa Croce in Rome. Caravaggio depicted 'doubting Thomas' in his painting, The incredulity of Saint Thomas 1601 (bottom right), in which Thomas cannot believe that Christ has resurrected so pokes inside his Christ's wound with his finger. This is quite a grotesque thought. Perhaps I can play with this idea of disbelief of miracles by creating a relic that is presented in an over-exaggerated way or has an obvious title perhaps? If this finger is not that of St Thomas then someone must have created it, aged it, sculpted it to form a function of a tool of worship. Is it the finger a peice of art itself? It could be an object that was crafted to serve a purpose/emphasise a concept and to be observed; just like a sculpture. The finger significance seems to be out-shined by the decorative bronze finger behind, as well as the wooden carved frame. Perhaps this is overcompensating for the fact that this may not be the actual finger of the Saint; the bigger and more ostentatious the frame/decoration, the more illegitimate the artefact?