ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Belonging, identity and representations of beauty are recurring narratives in my art practice. This image “Jesus Piece” explores the relationship between religious iconography and fashion, which has filtered from the canyons of New York to the underpasses of regional Australia.

The term Jesus Piece is borne from Hip Hop culture which originated in the Bronx in the early 1970’s. Rappers and DJ’s wore gem encrusted religious jewellery as a sign they have made it from the ghetto, but still held to heart a Christian upbringing.

Images of rap artists toting bold icons enticed Hip Hop fans to follow the trend, the jewellery was not only a link to the past but a powerful talisman to protect them from street violence and harm. The “Jesus Piece” featured in lyrics, could be bought on ebay and was included in the urban dictionary.

Many Christians feel that religious jewellery in fashion has decreased the power of the symbolism to the point of appropriation. Icons have been lowered to a level of pure aesthetic use, a symbol of beauty to hang around your neck in contrast to an indication of a commitment to God.

The conversation continues.

Ailis 19 year hip hop devotee under the bridge, 2020 Tumut NSW

AUTHOR
I live in a small rural town in the high country of NSW, Australia. I am a teacher who works with Youth at Risk in a program where young people who have not been successful in mainstream schools can complete their education in a technical college setting.
My photographic work is divided between personal projects, commissioned works and being an educator.
Currently I am developing several bodies of work relating to a sense of place, connections with land, as well as the notion of self image and representations of beauty.

I have also undertaken a Churchill Fellowship, investigating the impact that photography can have on the educational outcomes and community involvement of youth at risk in both urban and regional areas.

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