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2017 Twelve disciples
This work consists of 12 spatial collages divided into two parts: War and Religion. Years ago I bought photo books with the work of Martien Coppens about cathedrals and pews in the Nether- lands. I became fascinated and surprised first of all by the great photos and his concept of what photography is, and therefore what I saw: beauty and craftsmanship in church interiors and archi- tects. I could not reconcile that beauty with all the violence that took place in the world and find, often supported by religion or that religion is used as a starting point to wage a war or impose a will on others, I cannot express it any other way. In this work I investigate from my perspective the beauty that arises from the external aspects of religion, such as churches, sculptures, religious spaces, paintings, stories, Gothic architecture and the sense of awe they evoke alongside the horrors of war. I place these two entities next to each other as two series, without an explanation, but showing them as a source.
I portray religion as an instrument used by all parties involved in warfare to settle scores. Religion becomes a tool for the ruling class, determining the fate of those under their control. I question how religion can be used as an excuse for war, while the underlying reasons may come from other sources, such as the oppression of other nations, abuse of power, suppression of women or dissenters, or wars fought for gradual gain and control over natural resources.
The series also examines the manipulation of churches and their buildings and artworks. To cre- ate this series, I used various books on the exteriors and interiors of churches, cathedrals, and a book about World War II. Each part of the series measures 50 x 100 cm and has a thickness ranging from 9 to 14 cm. The primary material used is polystyrene foam, which I carved, assem- bled, and covered with collages sourced from diverse books. ‘Twelve Disciples’ delves into the complexity of the relationship between religion, war, power, and manipulation. It prompts viewers to contemplate the influence of religion on society, its potential for both beauty and exploitation, and the underlying motivations behind conflicts. The spatial collages invite reflection and encou- rage the audience to explore the multidimensional aspects of these interwoven themes.
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