Monika Plioplyte

My research is focused on the occult and symbolic nature of Baltic Paganism. In the 15th century, Lithuania (and the Baltic region as a whole) was one of the last in Europe to be Christianized. Consequently, archival documentation of pagan mythologies native to the Baltic region is lacking, even from the period after Christianization. However, rich material survives in folklore, which is still prominent in the region today.

In this new series, I use risograph printing to reproduce images of myself performing nude poses that mirror cultural symbols. The poses include the Pagan waxing and waning moon, and mimic ancient Eastern European figurines, specifically from the Paleolithic Age, that resemble mythological women such as the Spiral Goddess, Earth Mother, and others. Then, I use collage to transform these prints into traditional Lithuanian textiles, using decorative symbols in the process.