Traditionally Pope’s have worn red shoes. Cardinal’s robes are red, the colour of blood symbolising a commitment to defend the church to death. Red is also the colour of powerful rulers,kings and emperors, symbolises the blood of Martydom and fire and also the holy spirit.
Red also represents the protection of destruction and death and was used by the Israelites, who painted their doorposts red with the blood of lambs at Passover to protect themselves from the Angel of Death.
I have made a pair of shoes out of wire and sprayed these with red paint which I have entitled” La Papessa” (The Popess). These shoes are the contemporary alternative of a traditional pope’s shoe. These are very obviously female but with quite phallic heels.
I like to think of the popess’s shoes giving the illusion of her walking naturally whilst at the same time shortening her step, giving the feeling of speed whilst suggesting the promise of an imminent fall.
The church seems to fear powerful women with the persistent tradition of priestly celibacy resulting in a hatred of women. The shoes give the impression of rising above all these prejudices, while at the same time suggesting an air of domination as well as subserviance.
