Breaking Chains: The Evolution Of The Bl

In this exceptional study of the Black Madonna, author, scholar and artist Nic Philips leads you on a pilgrimage through the history, myth, practice and modern relevance of her many images around the world and asks astute questions about how they have been interpreted and misinterpreted over the centuries. As though restoring the artefacts themselves, he gently strips away layers of supposition and imposition to show the truth beneath, but also looks to the value of the later meanings and significance accrued by these sacred portrayals of a Black Virgin.

Starting with one of the most famous of her statues in Chartres, France and then casting light on the less explored phenomenon of syncretic worship within the African and Indian diasporas, we learn how the mysterious Black Madonna became equated with Dark Goddesses such as Kali, the primal fury of the Vodou Lwa Ezili Dantor, and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Taking us into an in-depth exploration of a figure who has been interpreted as both Mary Magdalene and various Orisha, this expertly-researched book shows what a powerful figure this Dark Mother remains throughout the world as a symbol of the strength and liberation of the oppressed.

Whilst many existing books on this subject have focused mainly on myths which have grown within the European Grail tradition, Breaking Chains embraces both a personal journey and an objective approach to finding the real power behind the Black Madonna, not only mythically and historically but politically. In a fascinating and accessible work, including his own extraordinary paintings inspired by statues and stories around the world, Nic Phillips shows that the Black Madonna is the focus for a living, breathing, evolving movement, and is perhaps even more relevant today than ever before.

Nic Phillips is an English artist and writer living in Somerset, UK and working in the heritage industry. He moved to Glastonbury after 12 years living in Wales, where he graduated with a degree in History and Archaeology from Cardiff University. He runs Nic Phillips Sacred Art in his spare time, painting aspects of divinity, some of which are present in this book. After completing his book on the saints, Nic began researching the Black Madonna, a journey which took him across France and Spain, and to encountering Black Madonna usage in ceremony as well as diverse traditions from around the world. Research for an initial workshop snowballed into Breaking Chain: The Evolution of the Black Madonna.Nic has a keen interest in history, heritage, mythology and world religion, and enjoys travel, the countryside, animals, and tea!For more information visit www.nicphillipssacredart.com or search 'Nic Phillips Sacred Art' on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy where more of his artwork can be found.