DepartmentHispano

La Sagrada Papel (The Holy Paper)

NameSculpture

Maker Arthur Lopez (born 1971)

CultureHispano

DateMarch 14, 2020

Place madeSanta Fe, New Mexico, United States, North America

MediumPine wood, handmade gesso, water based pigment

Dimensions10 7/16 × 13 3/8 × 6 11/16 in. (26.5 × 34 × 17 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, IFAF collection, FA.2020.38.1

Object numberFA.2020.38.1

ProvenancePurchased by the curator from the artist, $1200

DescriptionRoll of unfurled toilet paper backed by gold rays sitting on a blue base.

A humorous commentary on the hoarding of toilet paper at the
beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the artist created this piece in the
style of the New Mexican santero tradition “for protection from running
out of toilet paper.” Complete with its golden resplandor, this piece
represents the exaltation of toilet paper as the most holy and desired
of objects. The artist states: ”During these difficult times I wanted to
make a lighthearted piece to reflect on the social situation that our
country is going through. How something we generally take for granted
and use every day has created one of the biggest panic buys of the
corona pandemic" (from exhibition label text).