Allegra Hicks Fills Palermo Church with Anatomical Ex-Votos

Allegra Hicks, an artist and designer born in Turin in 1960 and active between London and Naples, presents the exhibition 'Ti porterò nel Sangue' at the Church of SS. Euno e Giuliano alla Magione in Palermo, running until June 16 as part of the 13th Settimana delle Culture. Curated by Mario Codognato, the show occupies both levels of the 17th-century church, which previously hosted contemporary interventions by Wael Shawky (2017 for BAM – Biennale Arcipelago Mediterraneo) and Marinella Senatore (2018 for Manifesta). On the main altar, a large blood drop symbolizes life, death, and cyclical existence, paired with a fabric piece echoing the same motif. In the crypt, Hicks created site-specific ex-votos: resin-cast paintings of organs (eyes, heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas) placed in loculi, freezing time and memory. A central installation features organ depictions that appear painted but are actually woven like tapestries. Hicks, who previously exhibited similar works at the Church of Misericordiella alla Sanità in Naples (also curated by Codognato), blends artistic genres and design influences. She describes the space's severe yet pure aura and its crypt as deeply inspiring, adding that living in Naples immersed her in a coexistence of religiosity and paganism. The canvases represent prayers, while the resin ex-votos crystallize answered supplications.