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Crafting Bodies
The crafting of bodies is a ritual as old as time. Representing the human form using non-human materials is a foundational feature of storytelling, learning, devotion and novelty.
The Museum of Fear and Wonder presents a new collection of crafted bodies in the form of automatons, mannequins, waxworks, votive figures and medical anatomies. By contrasting these wondrous figures, the barrier between genre and function loosens—allowing the distinction between body and object to do the same.
Crafting Bodies
The crafting of bodies is a ritual as old as time. Representing the human form using non-human materials is a foundational feature of storytelling, learning, devotion and novelty.
The Museum of Fear and Wonder presents a new collection of crafted bodies in the form of automatons, mannequins, waxworks, votive figures and medical anatomies. By contrasting these wondrous figures, the barrier between genre and function loosens—allowing the distinction between body and object to do the same.
Crafting Bodies
The crafting of bodies is a ritual as old as time. Representing the human form using non-human materials is a foundational feature of storytelling, learning, devotion and novelty.
The Museum of Fear and Wonder presents a new collection of crafted bodies in the form of automatons, mannequins, waxworks, votive figures and medical anatomies. By contrasting these wondrous figures, the barrier between genre and function loosens—allowing the distinction between body and object to do the same.
Isla de las Muñecas
Isla de las Muñecas (the Island of the Dolls) is a small floating garden in the Xochimilco canal system south of Mexico City. Its mystery originates with the discovery of a drowned girl by the island's former caretaker, Don Julian Santana Barrera. The floating body of a doll was found by Julian shortly thereafter, and believing it belonged to the drowned girl, he hung it in a nearby tree.
Julian grew increasingly haunted and reclusive on the island, hearing whispers and footsteps throughout the night. In fear, he began to collect and offer more dolls to appease the girl's ghost. In 2001, 50 years after discovering the drowned girl, Julian was found drowned in the exact same location.
Locals and travellers continue to bring dolls and other offerings to add to the island's collection, and quell whatever spirits may still reside there.
