Lingam
Exhibition
/
17 Jan 2010
-
14 Mar 2010
Published: 18.01.2010
Museum Catharijneconvent
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catharijneconvent.nl
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- Management:
- Guus van den Hout

(...) Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht present the exhibition LINGAM. 122 contemporary fertility symbols, with more than 120 interpretations of an age-old Eastern religious fertility symbol: the lingam. At the invitation of guest curator Ruudt Peters, artists, designers, and jewellery makers from 24 countries – including Marcel Wanders, Ted Noten, and Johanna Schweizer – have drawn inspiration from this ancient tradition of fertility symbolism. (...)
Lingam
The lingam is a wooden or stone object in the shape of a phallus, which represents life and fertility. In Hindu and Buddhist cultures, the lingam is worshipped and revered. It is not only a fertility symbol, but also stands for a primeval creative force, a force that is strongly linked to sexual energy. In Southeast Asia, reverence for life and religion are closely linked. Lingam worship takes place frequently and in public places. In contrast, in the West, the lingam is seen mainly as a symbol of lust and sex. The exhibition LINGAM. 122 contemporary fertility symbols aims to provide artistic alternatives to our present-day Western interpretation of the lingam and, in the process, to take a fresh look at this symbol’s original, sacred context.
Fertility
The exhibition curator, Ruudt Peters, is an artist and professor at the Ädellab at Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, and this event marks his departure as a teacher there. His fascination with the lingam inspired him to ask artists and designers to create their own fertility symbols. These contributors explored the subject through the lens of their own experiences, each producing a personal artistic statement about fertility. To emphasize the original, sacred context of this type of object, the exhibition LINGAM. 122 contemporary fertility symbols at Museum Catharijneconvent will pair these modern-day fertility symbols with their historical predecessors.
The lingam is a wooden or stone object in the shape of a phallus, which represents life and fertility. In Hindu and Buddhist cultures, the lingam is worshipped and revered. It is not only a fertility symbol, but also stands for a primeval creative force, a force that is strongly linked to sexual energy. In Southeast Asia, reverence for life and religion are closely linked. Lingam worship takes place frequently and in public places. In contrast, in the West, the lingam is seen mainly as a symbol of lust and sex. The exhibition LINGAM. 122 contemporary fertility symbols aims to provide artistic alternatives to our present-day Western interpretation of the lingam and, in the process, to take a fresh look at this symbol’s original, sacred context.
Fertility
The exhibition curator, Ruudt Peters, is an artist and professor at the Ädellab at Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, and this event marks his departure as a teacher there. His fascination with the lingam inspired him to ask artists and designers to create their own fertility symbols. These contributors explored the subject through the lens of their own experiences, each producing a personal artistic statement about fertility. To emphasize the original, sacred context of this type of object, the exhibition LINGAM. 122 contemporary fertility symbols at Museum Catharijneconvent will pair these modern-day fertility symbols with their historical predecessors.
Necklace: Corn cob, 2009
Split fastener (steel, anodised brass), silver
17 x 5,5, chain 76 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.

Object: Displayed, 2009
Lipstick, gold 22 ct (28gr), plexiglass
36 x 24,8 x 14 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.

Piece: Hare, 2009
Cotton
30 x 15 x 15 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Necklace: Anima-Animus, 2009
Silver, steel
19 x 27 x 0,8 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Object: Adore, 2009
Glass, walnut
? 11,5 x 22 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Piece: Device/IVF/ICSI/ovumpenetration/spermatozoidinjection, 2009
Aluminium
5 x 5 x 60 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Piece: Malebow, 2009
Golden Ribbon, 18kt gold
7,5 x 5,5 x 0,5, 5 x 4,5 x 0,5 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Brooch: What are you looking for?, 2009
18K gold, photo, plastic, silver
6 x 5 x 1,5 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Piece: Messin around with Willie, Henk, 2009
Bone China, blackboard paint, chalk
2,5 x 7 x 10 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Piece: Lingam and his yoni, 2009
Wood, gold, pearl, fabrics
3,5 x 12 x 12 cm
© Photography by Rob Versluys
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Museum Catharijneconvent
- Mail:
- info
catharijneconvent.nl
- pressoffice
catharijneconvent.nl
- Management:
- Guus van den Hout
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