David Kary

PREPOSTEROUS SAINTS : THE SAINTS THE CHURCH WANTS TO HIDE

Chaia (2) (1)

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Featured photo – Artist Chaia Fein.

Just sometimes, the world seems like a far too serious place. And what one craves for is some fun, a bit of good old fashioned satire…

Sydney born artist Chaia Fein touches this need with her refreshing new publication PREPOSTEROUS SAINTS : THE SAINTS THE CHURCH WANTS TO HIDE.

With this lavishly presented coffee table book Chaia  has come up with 366 Preposterous Saints for our daily nourishment, featuring bold, wildly imaginative illustrations accompanied  by ‘historical’ notes. With rich, absurdist humour, Chaia portrays a colourful cavalcade of sanctified misfits, felons and misunderstood  characters and gives us  an imaginative counterpoint to accepted notions of human piety.

There is a patron saint for everyone in this book – whether it be St Libindinous, St Avaracious or St Litigious, to name just a few. The preposterous nature of the Saints’ holy claims will have some readers wanting to add some characters of their own!

Chaia has explored a wide range of art mediums in her long and very productive career. These include screen printing, tapestry, jewellery, silver smithing, painting and sculpture. She  has exhibited in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Holland, Denmark, England and Ireland. She returned to Australia in late 2003 after living for more than 20 years in Europe.

Chaia is inviting any Guide readers who are interested to the official book launch by Irina Dunn on Sunday September 25 between 2.30 pm and 5. 30 at the Meeting Room at Balmain Town Hall, 370 Darling Street, Balmain.

Attendees will be graced by the presence of Pope Ubiquitous XXII who will be reading from the work. To support the Pope in this dubious duty there will be other prestigious personages such as the glorious Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the undesirable addition of Cardinal Putredinous Smell.

Chanting will be offered as a joyous accompaniment to the festivities and much merriment will be the order of the day. Attendees invited will be able to enjoy some delicious nibbles with a glass or two of bubbly or red wine and, of course, non alcoholic beverages if one is of an abstemious nature.  As an option, you are encouraged to add to the spirit of the occasion by  adopting any dress or accouterments of ecclesiastical style.
How could you possibly resist?! RSVP’s are essential to artcreatures@yahoo.com.au
 

Sydney Arts Guide has 2 copies of this tome  to give away. Be the first to email editor.sydneyartsguide@gmail.com. Winners be advised by email.