ABSTRACT
Presepi are Neapolitan nativities around which many Italian families and friends gather during the Christmas season, and that tourists travel to Naples to admire and purchase. They feature a grotto setting, the Holy Family, angels, magi, shepherds, and animals, as well as figures from Naples’ history, fables, and popular culture – ranging from traditional food vendors to soccer stars. In 2016, Jimmie Durham made two presepi and gave them to the people of the city where he resides part of the year. The first presepe awaits Naples’ citizens and museum goers from all over at the Museo Madre, which showcases contemporary art, and the second attends Durham’s neighbors each Christmas season outside the artist’s home. Durham’s reflections on problems and potential promise within Christianity play out in some of his artwork. His 1989 The Testament According to John indicts the Christian church, while his 1992 Jesus (Es geht um die Wurst) explores conceptions of Christ in a more solicitous manner.
