Exploring Materiality and Faith
Christian homes become sacred through diverse devotional objects, as seen in “Domestic Devotion’s” collection of secondhand items. “Ephemera in Circulation” reveals the surprising religious significance of circulated paper, while “Pilgrimage, Near & Far” considers how souvenirs reflect the spiritual impact of journeys.
“Ephemera in Circulation” is composed of several hundred distinct items.
Bits of paper travel the world. Mailed, gifted, kept, tucked inside a book – waiting between the sheets. Made for temporary use, designed for discard, easily lost, easily torn. Created as un-special, they often bear messages, inscriptions and traces of use.
Fragile wonders outlast owners, outlive places and performances that they were made to advertise. Some of these media were used for ritual: prayer, study, evangelical witnessing.
But, consider as well how their material qualities help shape religious practice. Linger, and consider the weight of paper.
“Ephemera in Circulation” is about how homes become contexts of devotional practice, and venues for sacred presence.
The objects collected here were all designed for use in the home, combining Christian imagery with functional purpose. Taken together, these items illustrate the many ways in which Christian homes are made sacred.
The pilgrimage souvenirs collected here are associated with multiple journeys, from the biblical holy lands to Marian apparition sites and 20th century World’s Fairs.
How do these material remains help us reflect on the spiritual potency of pilgrimage?
