Horror can often be heightened when juxtaposed with the wholesome and innocent. That’s one of the reasons why toys and children in horror movies can be particularly terrifying. That’s what makes these figurines by Jessica Harrison so disturbing. Traditionally such pastoral figures are soothing, safe. By subverting that with gore (the heart here…other images include the brain, intestines, and even the face) the corrupted image shows us that we are not safe, and that what soothed us is a mirage. Interestingly, it is at least implied that the women portrayed mutilated themselves. They are not innocent victims, but rather perverse actors. Very creepy.
