Miracles and Charms

The Wellcome Collection's autumn programme features two exhibitions that look at the extraordinary in the everyday. 'Infinitas Gracias: Mexican Miracle Paintings' is a display of around 100 Mexican votive paintings, the first major show of its type outside Mexico. Usually executed on tin roof tiles or small plaques, these paintings depict 'miracles' performed by saints and are created to give thanks for divine help. Also on show are photographs, news reports, films and interviews exploring the votive tradition in Mexico. The contemporary legacy of the votive ritual is illustrated by a wall covered with modern day offerings from a church in Guanajuato. 'Felicity Powell: Charmed Life', features around 400 amulets, selected by the artist Felicity Powell from the collection, on show alongside 20 works by the artist. Intended to be held, touched, and kept close to the body, the amulets are objects of solace and together form a repository for anxieties, reassurances and superstitions. Similar in scale, Powell's works are white wax relief portraits on black mirror slate.