Virgin Mary, Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City, 1531
For the tourist, the Virgin Mary image is on beach bags, purses, T shirts, just about any clothing item with a space. For Mexicans the image of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is the chosen one, located in the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. As we see her, they see her; a mother figure and a protector of all things good in life and here after. The Virgin Mary image is tucked into wall niches, grottos, memorial shrines and always in churches.
For myself, the image of Virgin Mary on the back of Tim Steiner is the one with the most questions. Belgium artist, Wim Dalvoye created this work of art in 2006. The tattoo art was sold in 2008 for 218,000$. Then exhibited at the Zurich gallery, de Pury & Luxembourg with the agreement the art work would be available 3 times per year (when Steiner dies the latest owner of the art work will retain rights). In 2012, this agreement must have changed as Tim Steiner is disillusioned with the amount of time he is sitting on a pedestal in public places and other agreed terms. Neo-concept artist, Wim Dalvoye has a diverse career, particular his pig tattoos .
Wim Dalvoye: Tim 2006, body tattoo on back of Tim Steiner, owner Rik Reinking
My sketchbook takes me to the traditional spaces; the shrine at the estuary and the sanctuary on the hill. I settle on the niche in the wall at the local hotel and eatery for my images.
Linda Denis, niche in wall, pencil on paper, 2014
Linda Denis, Local hotel and eatery, watercolour in Venezia book, 2014