Sacred Christian and Buddhist faces (exhibit)

Amber Larson, Pfc. Sandoval, Wisdom Quarterly; Andy Romanoff (fccla.org)

Religious iconography can be sacred, thoughtful, and lead to contemplative feelings.

Kwan Yin bodhisattva of Compassion, Goddess of Mercy, Virg Yin Mary (zenfolio.com)

 

SACRED FACES OPENING RECEPTION

Kwan Yin, Chinatown, LA

This exhibit is in collaboration with First Congregational Church of L.A.'s 9:00 am First Worship -- a joyful, reflective, Christian worship experience centered on art, music, and community. The service will run for seven weeks, Feb. 22-Easter Sunday, April 5.

Shatto Chapel will be bathed in candlelight for this Eucharistic service and worshippers will be surrounded by global religious iconography, including beautiful Buddhist art, creating a multi-sensory experience.

To view Andy Romanoff’s Website, which contains all "Sacred Faces" images, see andyromanoff.ZENfolio.com.
 

Buddhist deva ("shining one"), Christian angel or Buddhist gandharva, Nordic alien, Pleiadian Semjase, humanoid shapeshifter, at Sakka/St. Michael's Church, NY (Zenfolio)

(All First Worship dates 9:00 am in Shatto Chapel, runs until April 5 (fccla.org).

• First Congregational Church of Los Angeles
• Photography of L.A. artist Andy Romanoff
• Opening Reception Saturday, Feb. 21st, 5:00-7:00 pm
• 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. L.A., CA 90020

All have a choice of worship time and worship style -- whether it’s First Worship in Shatto Chapel or the current Cathedral Service at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Sakka, King of the Devas as Christianity's St. Michael, St. Michael's Church, NY (zenfolio.com)

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A Note from the Artist

Photographer Andy Romanoff (andyromanoff.zenfolio.com)

Andy Romanoff (fccla.org)

Over the years, I have been struck by the nature of Buddha [and bodhisattva] figures -- their calm, their serenity, and their evident wisdom.

Tantra (Rubin Museum)

I photographed them often. Not long ago, I realized that Buddhas are not alone in these qualities. There are figures and symbols from many religions that are intended to cause reflection, to inspire feelings of being present, and to express deeper spiritual ideas.

• PHOTOS: 15,000 Buddhas

Buddha (Rubin Museum)

It seems to me that when seen together, the images resonate with one another and their juxtaposition may create new understanding. Sacred Faces then is an aspect of my project to photograph thousands of religious icons, capturing the feelings they generate.

The images I am making are not just pictures. They are portraits, and each one attempts to see the intention of the artist who created the icon as well as the qualities the icon represents.

Christian devotion (St. Michael's Church)

The icons come from many religions. By project’s end, I hope to have images that are representative of every religion. When finished, it will be a mosaic of pictures, a wealth of images intended to generate thoughtful and contemplative feelings. It should be rich enough to invite repeated viewings and repay those viewings with a fresh experience every time.

It is extraordinary to me that the first place these pictures will be seen is here at First Church, a place where connection with the sacred is the goal and art is offered a place to be part of that. There was a time when artists were an essential part of the sacred conversation -- and I believe art and the sacred continue to have much to say to each other. I’m looking forward to seeing my work in this setting of beauty and awe. I hope I’ll meet you during the show. More

Tarot card deck, Union Square, New York, ancient Egyptian/Pagan divination (Zenfolio)