Making strange: sacred imagery and the self as an exhibition is an exercise in close viewing, recognizing intentional distortion and reinterpretation of traditional sacred imagery as a means of fostering introspection and meaningful dialogue based on one’s own lived experience.

This exhibition features paintings, sculpture, and works on paper in PAFA’S collection that highlights the art historical concept of "making strange", a term coined by Dr. Marcia Hall in her book the Sacred image. The term describes a Counter Reformation (1545-1648) artistic movement where artists used distortion as a stylistic signature and an interactive tool.

The implementation of "making strange" as an artistic practice encourages longer, closer viewing, with the goal of inspiring emotion and deep self-reflection. Making strange as an exhibition is an exercise in close viewing, recognizing intentional distortion and reinterpretation of traditional sacred imagery across cultures as a means of fostering introspection and meaningful dialogue based on one’s own lived experience.