making the invisible visible
2025 – 2026
Solo exhibition
Presented at the Davis Gallery at the University of Denver
Image documentation by Erynn McConnell
An exhibition that stems from Bernard’s interest in the medieval Church’s affiliation with health care, including pilgrimage, prayer, & the miraculous healing power of reliquaries. Catholic tradition glorifies Jesus’ & Mary’s suffering, but illustrates sick & disabled people as inferior, sinful, & in need of healing. What happens when we shift the sacred gaze from historically idealized, sanitized figures such as the Virgin Mary & Christ to a chronically ill, queer, perverse bodymind? By repurposing used medical equipment specific to cystic fibrosis as contemporary sacred objects, Bernard subverts the traditional narrative that disabled & sick bodies need cleansing & curing. Instead, her artwork venerates the sick and disabled as new versions of divine saints who are prayed to.
Review by Jahcinda Law for Art Critter
2015
Ink & acrylic on paper
A series of sixty-five works
Video documentation by Brighton Linge
Image documentation by MG Bernard
Revised: 4/15/24; 5/12/24; 5/16/24
2015: Sixty-Five Roses Challenge, Mid-City Theater, New Orleans, LA
2015: Sixty-Five Roses for Cystic Fibrosis, Amanda Sibley Gallery, New Orleans, LA
A two-month long project to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis. All funds earned from artwork sales were donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.