Own Personal Jesus

A booklet accompanying the exhibition featuring an overview of the exhibition and individual artists statements, written and edited by myself.

Own Personal Jesus is an exhibition exploring the intersection of queerness and religious aesthetics, from the domestic refuge of the curator’s own home. 

Historically, religious dogma has carved a deliberate schism between religion and LGBTQ+ rights. However, there have always been queer movements that utilise the aesthetics of religion to subvert this power dynamic. Catholicism offers an aesthetic rich for repurpose, allowing striking political art, fashion trends, and explorations of identity to flourish in this intersection between queer identity and religious doctrine.

Own Personal Jesus displays the work of six artists who explore this intersection through painting, sculpture, poetry and film, creating a subversive and exciting collection of work. Situated within the curator’s flat, Own Personal Jesus draws on the concept of Dutch house churches known as Schuilkerk; Catholic churches hidden in domestic spaces to escape public worship laws enforced by the Dutch Protestant Church. Here, the exhibition serves as a queer spiritual space for devotees to gather and celebrate creativity.