This artefact is a votive shrine I made following a pilgrimage to Assisi in central Italy. It depicts the hand of Saint Francis, the face of Saint Clara and the mystical white wild boar that Franco Battiato sings in his enigmatic song titled “il Cinghiale Bianco”.

The hand represents man’s earthly attachment to the natural world, Saint Clara represents compassion and companionship, while the white wild boar represents the more spiritual and misunderstood side of animals that we refuse to acknowledge in our disenchanted society.

Similarly to the stag beetle shrine, it seeks to reintroduce meaning and a humble appreciation of nature.

The shrine is carved out of french oak.

2020