Instruments of Penance (restraints)

2025

performance, handmade 6 ft. ceramic rosary

Instruments of penance refers to tools associated with the mortification of the flesh. These tools were meant to cause harm and discomfort to promote spiritual discipline. In contrast to the term’s usual connotation of self-inflicted harm, this work reflects on the history of violence inflicted on others in God’s name. Using a rosary as a restraint, this performance focuses on the history of restraints in forceful proselytization by settlers to promote “spiritual discipline”. This work highlights violence in the name of piety and the tenacity of Queer and Trans resistance, shown through the breaking and escaping of the restraints.

Thank you to Ryan Van Der Hout for the photographs.