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Fashion photographer Justin T. Shockley's work responds to the theme of "Community" from Romans 5:10.
Romans 5:10
Ragamuffin
By
Justin Shockley
Credits:
Curated by:
Ebitenyefa Baralaye
2012
9.5 x 14 inches
Photography, Digital Film
Primary Scripture
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This particular work is inspired by film, God, faith, and humanity. I am deeply influenced by alternative culture and cult films by directors like George Romero (who incidentally is a Christian) and authors like Anne Rice. The monster genre has long been a great source of the complex view of evil and friendship. On the one hand you have a monster seen in a movie like Frankenstein who is seen as a source of evil but there is something more complex there I think.
Even he, despite his atrocities, desires redemption. The monster can find redemption but he needs help. The monster requires salvation in a sense outside himself or he is lost. Just as the moral of the story of Frankenstein goes "there is nothing more humanizing than friendship." This piece reflects my thoughts on God's redemption. We are, in point of fact, enemies of God much like the vampires in Anne Rice's novel. If we are apart from God we are without hope. We must drink and steal life from the universe to sustain ourselves but it does not satisfy our thirst.
Much like how the vampire story reflects Anne Rice's walk before she met Christ, this work reflects our need for covenant type friendship with a childlike approach. This is not Postmodern Art.
Spark Notes
The Artist's Reflection
My name is Justin T. Shockley and I am a internationally published Fashion photographer and freelancer for the New York Times. I’ve shot everything from fashion/editorial, lookbooks, celebrities, news, and stock. Currently I am photo editor, fashion photographer, and consultant for Glamorous Chic magazine here in New York City. I’ve been shooting 5+ years and am a second generation photographer.
On the Web: www.justintshockley.com
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justin-T-Shockley-photography/42215716554
Justin Shockley