Apotropaic Magic, found chain, custom mount, cast bronze charms, gold leaf, 2022. 34"X12"X1"
The word apotropaic is an adjective that comes from the Greek and the meaning is that which has the power to avert evil influences or bad luck. The chain has 5 bronze cast talisman hanging, including a cast of burned sage to clear the air, an empty toilet roll signalling poverty, safety pins and a button added as a promise of repair. A mature garlic bulb cast in bronze hangs plumb in the centre: a reference to aging decorated with a vagina dentata charm. Move up the hanging chain to find a bronze cast tassel that represents the sweeping away of bad blood. Above that, a bronze cast of a naturally occurring formation on a tree, a gall. This one is quite pointy and could be weaponised making this a protective charm decorated with a dove amulet.
Documentation by Rachel Topham Photography
Bronze cast toilet paper roll, safety pins, button. Metaphor for the ascetic, poverty as well as for aesthetics and quick repairs.
Documentation by Rachel Topham Photography
Bronze cast tree gall with peace amulet depicting a bird in flight. A weapon paired with a bird soaring. Double Edge.
Documentation by Rachel Topham Photography