Godmother of Outcast,
Madonna of the Unloved

Spicy Gobou
Interdisciplinary Installation
8’ x 4’ x 3.5’

Godmother of Outcast, Madonna of the Unloved is an immersive installation made in response to Umlauf's rejected Bronze Statue commission, Maria Regina. Reading the correspondence between Monsignor DeBlanc and Umlauf regarding the rejected commission inspired this conversational piece; It addresses the male gaze and the patriarchal arm of the church policing the depiction of femininity. This installation is a testament to the imperative need to challenge existing narratives.

This installation showcases a life-sized mannequin to represent the objectification and commodification historically imposed upon feminine forms. The Madonna represents the struggles faced by women throughout history and time. Using projection mapping, her presence is brought to life. By igniting the imagination and inviting participants into an intimate dialogue with the divine, the piece offers an alternative perspective that liberates Mary from the shackles of the patriarchal gaze.

The Madonna’s spirit is enhanced by an ensemble of flowing ribbons and fabrics, engulfing her form in an overwhelming display of femininity. Inscribed within the ensemble is the artist's own personal narratives around feminine presentation and gender expression. These hidden narratives express that the exploration of femininity and gender identity is deeply personal and nuanced.

The interactivity of the installation takes on even greater significance as femme-identifying individuals are encouraged to engage with the artwork and are invited to inscribe their personal experiences on blank ribbons, tying them with care around the Madonna’s figure.

We drape her body in silk odes; Ribbons meant to bind or bandage, yet rewriting the dialogue around the female form. This performance becomes a reclamation of agency, an invitation to collective candor, and a decisive break from the confining expectations that have long stifled women's voices.