Rose windows of interwoven, intricate patterns symbolize the inherent wholeness in the uniqueness and complexity of the human body. The kaleidoscopic shadow, with its multiple layers, imitates the body’s elaborate and interdependent design with MRIs of the cervical spine and brain creating the foundational layer. In the midst of depression, chronic pain, and new diagnoses there was a moment of hope when I watched the shadow of stained glass windows move from the floor to the wall of a cathedral caused by the movements of the sun. Rose windows are traditionally placed hundreds of feet up to look like portals to heaven but I’ve grounded the rose windows to an accessible height, making visible the imperfections, contradicting unachievable expectations of perfection and taking joy in the authenticity of its human made creation by a disabled artist. Hildegard’s “O Quam Mirabilis Est,” sung live in this installation, describes the sacredness of humanity, stating “Oh how wondrous it is to be envisioned… God looked upon each person’s face and created them each whole.” These words illustrate this installation’s intention to communicate that there are no broken bodies and that each body, regardless of ability or identity, is created inherently whole and holy.
