Events
GOoD & the dEVIL
Date and Time
Friday, February 12, 2016 6:30 PM
Description
Grand Rapids- We are proud to announce the opening reception for 'GOoD & the dEVIL' a vibrant exhibition of photographic diptychs in the heart of the rich downtown arts scene at Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 250 Commerce Ave, SW on Friday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 PM .
Designed as a site-specific installation in the walls of a Lutheran Church, 'GOoD & the dEVIL' explores juxtaposing Hindu/Buddhist iconography against vernacular manifestations of the 'evil-eye' captured on across the streets of both North and South India. Diptych, a visual arrangement where two images are juxtaposed against each other, is a trope used in modernist photography, but its origins lie in ancient religious art where two images were hinged together, often meant for the viewer to reflect upon.
The photographer uses this trope to create a visual contrast between symbolic representations of Good (or God) such as the Buddha, Ganesha (Hindu deity that brings good luck) against street images of the "evil-eye" a practice common in India, which is meant to ward of 'evil-forces' to homes and public spaces.
Rich in color and visual details, the diptychs, showcased in a sanctuary such as a Lutheran Church create a contemplative experience symbolizing the inner struggle or 'moral dilemma'. 'GOoD & the dEVIL' runs through February 29th.
About the Artist:
Anal Shah is an Indian filmmaker and photographer. His work explores identity, migration, and other things that are usually "lost in translation". His films have screened at numerous festivals including premieres at the Vienna International Film Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival, Detroit Docs to name just a few. He is a current faculty member teaching Film at the School of Communication at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
Media Inquiries : To schedule an interview with Anal Shah, please contact him at 510.717.8920 or via email at [email protected] .
Contact
Media Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]