“Sanctus” (1990), film still (courtesy the Estate of Barbara Hammer, Company, KOW, and Electronic Arts Intermix)

Sanctus (1990) by Barbara Hammer is now on view at the Art Institute of Chicago!

Composed of rephotographed 35mm nitrate x-ray films originally shot by Dr. James Sibley Watson in the 1950s, Sanctus presents the human body as a fluid yet fragile organism, making the invisible interiority of the body visible. 

Sanctus will be on view in Gallery 186 at the Art Institute of Chicago from February 20 – May 17, 2026. 

For more information on the exhibition, please visit the link below.