“Phos Hilaron: From the Masses Rise the Saints” by Ventiko at Chinatown Soup

Ventiko is a critically acclaimed conceptual artist working in photography, performative experiences and social practice. She transformed Chinatown Soup into a three-part site-specific installation, which includes the Chapel, the Reliquary, and the Altar. The walls in The Chapel are lined floor-to-ceiling with photographic murals of interlocking bodies: images of unidentified flesh upon flesh and limb upon limb all interwoven representing the masses. Protruding from the “masses” are 100 Saint Candles, each of which has been pre-purchased by the Saints. This unique personal crowdsourcing model mirrors the spirit of collectivism that Ventiko has embodied in the creation of this art action. The Reliquary showcases various Saint objects. The Altar features a group portrait of selected Saints on 12-by-7-feet-large light boxes and radiates a soft glow completing the journey through the sacred space.