Sister Cistern is a collaborative project made by Jessi Li and Becky Sellinger. It is a glazed hand built ceramic arched pillar, featuring two heads of Medusa. This monumental sculpture measures 12 feet high and was built with two tons of architectural stoneware. The sculpture references caryatids—architectural pillars cast in the likeness of women. These structural supports reduce the human figure to decoration, objectifying the body. The work subverts the vertical strength of a classical caryatid pillar by rounding the erect column into a portal. This reorganization of form is self-supporting—the columns no longer uphold the structure above, instead creating an opportunity to move through rather than under.

The project developed from a fascination with the Medusa columns in Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, a remarkable example of ornamental ancient plumbing. The face of each Medusa houses hand washing spigots to wash away the societal ills this mythological figure represents. Religions have linked hygiene to morality since the dawn of civilization, such as the proverb “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Without ornamentation, such as the polished white porcelain toilet, our grotesque natures wouldn't appear so elegant. By inviting viewers to wash their hands, our flamboyant arched sink becomes an arena to reiterate a connection between hierarchy and hygiene.

The unique opportunity to install this work outdoors removes the column from its architectural context and situates the project in the landscape of Stone Quarry Art Park, which includes the story of Mary Hackley. At a time when women were unable to purchase property, Mary Hackley was able to acquire this tract of land as a widow and clear out cisterns for water access. In constructing Sister Cistern, we are honoring the unseen labor of past generations of women.

Sister Cistern is partially funded by a NYSCA Support for Artist Grant, Stone Quarry Art Park, Syracuse University, Tufts University, and the Foundation for Contemporary Art Emergency Grant.