Photo Essay of the intersection of art and religion.

1. Neil Benson
Philadelphia Visions
Cloth, plastic, foam core, LED lights, Metal
This piece is formed into the shape of
the Pope’s Mitre, a highly recognized
religious object, inset with lighted
figurines resembling Mary and Joseph,
a crystal of the virgin mother with child
and on the top, a molded image of the
Mary, ascended into sainthood as
emphasized by the metalwork to
symbolize illumination. The
arrangement suggest a more earthly
origin of the Christ with an emphasis
on Mary as the central object of
worship.

2. Kathleen Vaccaro
Forward
Oil on Board
This painting features a scene that is a
stark contrast to the traditional
narrative of the Great Commission.
The yell of the clergyman and the dark
and treacherous scenery creates a
sense of impending gloom highlighted
by the grimaced face of the elderly
woman as well as the followers in the
mid-ground of the painting, who seem
to be restrained lead off to some land
distant from any familiarity.

3. Kathleen Vaccaro
David was a Woman
Acrylic on canvas
This large scale painting offers an
interesting take on an all too familiar
story of David as he prepares to face
the giant Goliath. Without additional
context, this painting wouldn’t seem
particularly unusual and it is upon
inspection of the title that warrants
further investigation. Nothing within
the painting offers any impression to
the gender of the subject, which leads
the viewer to look to other details for a
narrative. The clouds break and ray of
light shine upon the figure, ash she
steps upon the stone, granting a sense
of hope. The source of the shadow
cast on the figure comes into question,
whether it come from the
environment or the subject’s
adversary.

4. Harold Kalmus
Icon
Hydrocal, painted
This statue takes the typical portrayal
of an icon swapping it for a female
nude, contrasting the mostly male-
centric aspect and shedding traditional
ideas of modesty expected of religious
artwork Interestingly enough, the
figure holds a calm and stoic
expression that negates any sense of
eroticism. Modeled after Leonardo Da
Vinci’s Salvatore Mundi, Icon
transfigures the Christ into female
form.

5. Lou Serna
Bingo Jesus
Wood, metal, earrings, cardboard
This simple juxtaposition of a crucifix
and a bingo card, this piece summons
a familiar, if somewhat stereotypical
gaff at religion, that it is for the older
members of our society, relegated to
early bird meals and nights at the
bingo hall. The positioning of the
piece seems rather appropriate as it
can easily be pictured hanging on the
wall of a church, community center, or
even in someone’s kitchen. The
lighting provides a strong effect as if
the windows of Heaven open upon it.

6. Ann Keech
LOVE Philly Food with Francis
Mixed Media
This is a humorous take on The
Last Supper, portraying the
current Pope Francis in the
center, offered a bevy of
culinary offerings that can be
found in the city of
Philadelphia. It contrasts the
the serious tone and modest
meal that is associated with
imagery of The Last Supper,
creating a scene that is
lighthearted and festive.
Maybe during his visit, the
Pope gets a chance to sample
the local fare of the city.