/jp/ - Otaku Culture

As the influx of Mamono, or Musume, culture continues to pervade the now fragile diorama of human civilization, historians have noted that contemporary “monster-modern” artists have started to take inspiration from the hallmarked periods of humanity such as works from Classical Antiquity, even going as far with modified duplications of Andy Warhol’s works.

As seen in this comparison, the artist on the left has directly appropriated “the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa,” a baroque sculpture by Bernini, for her own desires. It could be assumed that the artist is making a statement by reversing the original insight and meaning of Bernini’s sculpture. Or simply, the artist, as is the case with this art movement, wanted to ‘beautify and represent’ the ideals of Mamono society through these appropriations.

Propose aside, the artist imposes her thoughts on Bernini’s work, altering it. The artist replaces the angel with that of a succubus, presumably the artist herself, and changes the attire of Saint Teresa. Still wearing the vestments of a nun, yet is now entirely exposed from the chest downward, a clear opposite of Bernini’s heavily-robed depiction. Likewise, the arrow, representing the tool of heavenly pain and rapture of God’s love, is replaced with the succubus’ spade tail. Saint Teresa of both works, however, is seen intensely moaning, caught in moment of exhilaration and passion.
As written by Saint Teresa herself, “The pain was so severe that it made me utter several moans. The sweetness caused by this intense pain is so extreme that one cannot possibly wish it to cease, nor is one’s soul then content with anything but God.” And so, Bernini captures Saint Teresa during that abrupt moment in which she receives the celestial arrow of God, piercing her heart and soul with the revelation of God’s love. The artist on the left, though, clearly renders Saint Teresa in a sultry and debasing scenario, having interpreted the nun’s words as exact.

Templars across the globe were abhorred by this appropriation and are now petitioning the removal/destruction of this work. When interviewed, a group of protesting knights was sickened about the underlying premise of demon corruption, in which they view the succubus as directly manipulating this revered servant of God. When asked if the succubus was instead substituted by a divine figure, yet was equally exposing, the local band became quiet and were hesitant to answer. Weeks later from this interview, the Templars agreed to change their stance on the work, but further insisted that both female characters worn lingerie instead of being nude.

The artist has yet to response about the controversy regarding her work.