When the Gods Prayed Back

Ex-votos are small, Mexican votive paintings that give thanks to specific patron saints after a miracle has occurred. The paintings tend to address topics including near death experiences, injured children, natural disasters, infidelity, infertility, crime, village and farm life, domestic violence, and alcohol-related mishaps. Artist Heather Layton has expanded on this theme in a U.S. exhibition titled, "When the Gods Prayed Back." Her contemporary ex-votos are made in the same tradition except that the roles have been reversed: Instead of the people praying to the saints, the saints are praying back to the people with commentary on such topics as marriage, hair loss, unborn children, and war. The book includes an introduction by the artist and over 35 color illustrations of traditional and contemporary ex-votos. 60pgs