Suburban Reliquary

“Suburban Reliquary” is a powder-coated life-size steel sculpture depicting a gold vintage vacuum cleaner on a silver table. Reliquaries have been created for centuries to contain the bones, hair or other relic remains of saints.

The sculpture clearly satirizes that which is culturally sacrosanct spiritually and monetarily . The full vacuum bag implies dirt and dog hair from the floors of ordinary homes creating a humorous commentary on human values and assignation of religious significance. As an ordinary consumer product depicted in an exalted state, it speaks to advertisement, consumerism and contemporary values. Gold and silver color suggest earthly wealth just as the round table with cherubim angels satirically allude to the spiritual. The joke is furthered by the reality of angels resembling vintage car hood ornaments, yet another consumer product. 

The steel line implies solid form while retaining permeability of form and space. Line also allows the sculpture to simultaneously exist as a two and three dimensional object, particularly when considering the cast shadow of the object. 

The humor and nostalgia of the piece engages the viewer through distinctly American imagery while questioning the values shaping our culture.