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Introduction

The exhibition examines martyrdom represented by the separation of emotional and physical statesdegradation of the body versus the dignity of the mind and spirit. It also makes a comparison between male and female representations of "martyrdom" within this dichotomy; the male figure is shown as emotionally vulnerable, but perfect of body, while the female figures are physically injured but emotionally distant or defiant. The artworks use this disconnect between the subject's physical and emotional state to create a sense of canonization and to demonstrate the distance possible between the perception of pain in the mind and harm that is inflicted o the body.