This zine examines the cultural practice of rubbing statues for “good luck” and photo opportunities. While often framed as playful or harmless, this zine critically explores how these repeated acts of touching—frequently focused on breasts or genitals—reproduce social dynamics that normalize sexual harassment and sexual violence. Drawing on Karen Barad’s concept of intra-action and Jane Bennett’s theory of thing-power, the zine argues that statues hold agency and material memory, evidenced through visible wear and gilding. The zine analyzes three case studies: Adam (1990, NYC) by Fernando Botero, Molly Malone (1988, Dublin) by Jeanne Rynhart, and Youth (1909, Germany) by Bernard Hoetger.
This zine was created by Isabella Grecco.
This zine examines the cultural practice of rubbing statues for “good luck” and photo opportunities. While often framed as playful or harmless, this zine critically explores how these repeated acts of touching—frequently focused on breasts or genitals—reproduce social dynamics that normalize sexual harassment and sexual violence. Drawing on Karen Barad’s concept of intra-action and Jane Bennett’s theory of thing-power, the zine argues that statues hold agency and material memory, evidenced through visible wear and gilding. The zine analyzes three case studies: Adam (1990, NYC) by Fernando Botero, Molly Malone (1988, Dublin) by Jeanne Rynhart, and Youth (1909, Germany) by Bernard Hoetger.
This zine was created by Isabella Grecco.
