for chromat spring/summer 2012 inspiration, i have been studying the gorgeous roman catholic cathedral a few blocks away from my studio in bushwick, brooklyn. the santa barbara cathedral has a gorgeously ornate white facade with layers and layers of bulbous plaster dripping off each outstretched ledge and arched overhang.
i was lucky enough to attend services on easter sunday and got spritzed with enough holy water to last for the rest of the year (or a few days, depending on my chosen weekend activities). the proceedings were completely in spanish which just added to the magical feeling of transgressing into an entirely new and sacred space. it also probably didn't hurt that i couldn't comprehend much of the catholic agenda in the sermon and got to focus wholeheartedly on the dazzling environment.
the walls were covered in bas relief pediments, depicting the bodies of catholic saints in hardened marble, massive ocular skylights which opened up to cast long white rays through the hazy burn of incense, a harmonizing choir filling the high ceilings with wails and moans, throngs of followers dropping to their knees, eagerly making the sign of the cross across their faces and chests, men draped in long golden robes pacing the aisle, fists clenched, pumping the air in heated emphasis.
the madonna/whore complex, a freudian psychoanalysis and sexist cultural dichotomy that positions women as either a holy mother figure or a dirty sexual object is another theme i've been exploring lately.
the collage above is one of two i made for a group zine called awkhold- organized by the brooklyn artist jason kachadourian. more info on the release of the awkhold zine and also the zine fair and rooftop party he's putting on in august coming soon!
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