Faithism
Seafaring voyages have taken place since the dawn of humanity, for purposes such as trade, exploration and treasure hunting. In order to cope with the elemental challenges and dangers in their way, seafarers developed a wide range of nautical beliefs, some of which have survived to this day: black cats and topless women, for example, indicate good luck, while flowers, whistling, and women in the engine room signify bad luck.
These beliefs embody the link between spirit and materiality, as it manifests when embarking on a voyage. They are based on everyday symbols, shapes and objects, and incorporate a sense of security, control, and hope.
‘Faithism’ examines the spirit-material link, and the connection between a symbol and the values it represents via its own abstraction.