Doug Jones combines iconic imagery with domestic craft in a reflection on personal and collective desire in the context of mass consumerism and its global impact. His tongue in cheek pop at how innocent belief systems – the universals of religion, politics and power – can easily lead to corruption provides us with a distinct world view that is both humorous, disturbing and thought provoking.
The work, 'Insanae et Vanae Curae' (Mad Useless Worries), consists of four figurative sculptures, all clad in haunting funereal black robes, mitres and stoles which are drawn from ecclesiastical patterns from the seventeenth century. Here we bear witness to a forbidden ceremony: the senior figure bows his head as though in shame, yet dominates the three junior figures that face him. We quickly ascertain these are uniforms that do not represent comfort and joy.
The robes are edged with vintage trimming and delicately hand embroidered with silver thread, sourced from Catholic ecclesiastical suppliers to the Vatican and detailing 'vanitas imagery' such as Alpha Omega (the beginning and the end), an hourglass, birds, trumpets, steps, lightening, plants and books. “Gradually the weirdness accumulates...” 1
Paul Stone, 2008
1 Robert Clark, The Guardian, 16 August, 2008
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