Got Your Goat

An exhibit that calls religious rites into question is perhaps a moot point in a town like Miami. You can see only so many decapitated goats discarded in Biscayne Bay without realizing that what's pious practice to some is horrific animal cruelty to others. Still, even those dulled by prevalent...

By Amanda McCorquodale

August 26, 2010

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An exhibit that calls religious rites into question is perhaps a moot point in a town like Miami. You can see only so many decapitated goats discarded in Biscayne Bay without realizing that what's pious practice to some is horrific animal cruelty to others. Still, even those dulled by prevalent Santeria will be intrigued by "Human Rites," which opens Thursday at the Bass Museum. Traditional religious accessories like Virgin Mary figurines will be juxtaposed with contemporary art that questions all things ritualistic.

Chief among the included artists is Marina Abramovic – yes, that Belgrade-born performance artist who just spent a month having highbrow staring contests with arty types at MoMA. Her votive works will be in display through October 3, along with Rirkrit Tiravanija's Buddha figurines and offerings, Ai Wei Wei's totem pole made from bicycles, and a host of other artists chipping away at the idea of liturgy.
Wednesdays-Sundays. Starts: Aug. 25. Continues through Oct. 3, 2010

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