Roberto Duran

GODS ARE IMAGINARY FRIENDS FOR GROWN UPS

My project “God, an Imaginary Friend for Grown Ups” aims to photographically recreate 12 photos, inspired by classical images of gods and goddesses from religions such as Catholicism, Hinduism and Orthodox.

What is so unique about Religious Icons?

What is innovative about Re-design of Religious Icons is that I am re-creating these icons as photographs while re-creating a new spiritual sanctity according to our modern way of living. Historically, photography was considered a mechanical device to keep records; photography didn’t even start to find a place in galleries until the 20th century.

The re-design of religious iconography is my attempt to show that photos too can evoke a strong spiritual and critical response according to the new goods and goodness.

I invite you to collaborate different artist in an attempt to show that photos too can evoke a strong spiritual and critical response to the new versions of goods and goodness. “Re-design Religious Icons” it’s a cultural calling for me to analyse different heritages and the reasons for them to create and visualize “Goods and Goodness” in such a different ways depending their geographic location and heritage. I don’t attempt to offend any believer or criticise their believes.

The History and Philosophy

“God, an Imaginary friend for Grown Ups” is the culmination of my art and non-spirituality, both objects of my devotion.

I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico to very spiritual parents who exposed me to Catholicism, with the intention to become a priest. Visiting countless temples frequently was common practice to us. Like all teenagers, I explored my own voice and a lens to see the world through. I found it in photography. I moved to the Australia to follow my passion for photography. My life in this new world found culture transformed and pretty soon temple visits were replaced with frequent trips to art galleries, museums and studios, where art was respected and placed on a pedestal to honour. In my own life, in an intriguing way, the passion for art had now become the temple.

How do you envision this finally presented.

I see Religious Icons displayed as an installation of prints. An exhibit will be designed to display our new Gods.

“God, an Imaginary Friend for Grownups” Needs YOU
No effort is spared in creating these images. It takes everything I can give in terms of time, organization, and research. And of course, much of that requires substantial monetary investment but more important than money it’s the talent and collaboration of different artist to make this project happen.

If you want to be part of it, please don’t hesitate in contacting me robertoduran@gmail.com

Thanks for your time

Roberto Duran