A Bone Story
Since the dawn of time, through ritualistic or spiritual practices—often linked to shamanism—humans have crafted objects from human skulls and tibias. This tradition lives on in Tantric Buddhism, particularly within the Bönpo tradition. With the rise of Christianity came the cult of relics: the bones of martyrs, from the ancient Roman catacombs to consecrated altars in countless churches, where such fragments are enshrined in precious medallions and reliquaries.
Skeletons or drops of blood have long been surrounded by intense veneration—sometimes bordering on superstition—and are often believed to possess occult powers, said to emit a golden radiance and a sweet, delicate scent.
With Corine Borgnet, we’re not dealing with human remains, but with those of animals—especially birds. Wishbones, pubic bones and ischiums from guinea fowl or ducks, caudal vertebrae and pygostyles from chickens, and sternal crests from capons or quails are laid out like a rosary. Sometimes these poultry carcasses are accompanied by skulls, paws, claws, or teeth from other species, such as moles or cats. Carefully cleaned and delicately sanded, these fragile, easily crumbling elements are treated by the artist with the utmost care.
Corine Borgnet gives new form and meaning to these unconventional materials. Assembled together, they become her chosen medium. These animal fragments are imbued with a kind of sacredness, elevated to the status of art objects. Transformed from humble remains into noble subjects, they undergo an almost alchemical metamorphosis.
Refined and intricate, these creations evoke the dreamlike world of fairy tales: Cinderella’s slipper, royal crowns, princess tiaras, a knight’s glove, the deadly flower from Beauty and the Beast, a courtesan’s corset, a bride’s garter…
— Isabelle de Maison Rouge
