Heather Layton

"When the Gods Prayed Back," oil, acrylic, rusted steel

"Ex-votos" are small, Mexican votive paintings that give thanks to specific saints after a miracle has been granted. The paintings for this exhibition use the form of traditional "ex-votos," but the roles have been reversed: Instead of the people praying to the saints, the saints are praying back to the people with commentary on contemporary issues such as our addiction to the Internet and the war in Iraq. The installation is intended to pay homage to a centuries-old, Mexican tradition that is simultaneously being extinguished by and saved by a global community.