Black and white portraits of women who are victims of armed conflict in Antioquia, Colombia, taken as they describe the dramatic experiences of the murders of their loved ones, which they have had to witness and survive. The photographs were taken at the climax of the account, hence freezing in time an instant of deep sadness, which the artist sets on a fine silk canvas, recalling the Christian reliquary – The Shroud: the agony of Christ, the Passion and the Piety. It is because of this that throughout multiple instances, this work has been exhibited in the context of sacred sites, thus generating a dialogue between sacred architecture, the space for prayer, and the image of the artist. The dialogue process with the victims during the photo shoots and ulterior exhibit additionally become a progressive healing amid the victims’ grief.

Reúne la serie de fotografías Sudarios de la artista Erika Diettes, retratos en blanco y negro de mujeres víctimas del conflicto armado en Antioquia (Colombia) tomadas mientras narran las dramáticas experiencias del asesinato de sus seres queridos, el cual han tenido que presenciar y sobrevivir. A través de dos breves ensayos, Christian Padilla (Premio Nacional de Ensayo de Historia del Arte Colombiano - 2007) y Charles Guice (Director de Charles Guice Contemporary) reflexionan sobre las fotografías de Diettes, sus semejanzas con las reliquias cristianas y la relación entre la memoria, la muerte y las víctimas.

This work compiles the photo series, Shrouds, of the artist, Erika Diettes. Black and white portraits of female victims of armed conflict in Antioquia (Colombia) taken as the women relate the dreadful experience of having to witness their loved ones murdered, and having survived that. In two short essays, both Christian Padilla (Colombian Art History Essay, National Prize winner) and Charles Guice (Charles Guice Contemporary Director) reflect on Diettes’ photographs, their resemblance with Christian reliquaries and the relationship between memory, death, and the victims.