Developing a collector's passion for religious photography

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton
Ernest Disney-Britton stands at home in Indianapolis next to new photographer Kelvin Buzon's diptych titled "Ama Namin” (“Our Father" in Tagalog) and “Ina ng Gracia” (“Mother of Grace"), AP prints; top left and middle left; Doug Birkenheuer's "Evil Innocence," bottom left; and William Rasdell’s “Jews in the African Diaspora" collection, bottom right.
There was a photography studio inside the arts center where I had my first arts management job after college graduation in 1984. I recall being struck by how the photographers saw themselves as storytellers, and it was during those years that I bought my first religious-themed photographs. When I left the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, I also took a long hiatus from photography. However, since Greg and I married ten-years ago, we have begun following the work of a number of contemporary photographers who tell religious stories. Most recently, we met Filipino-American photographer Kelvin Burzon. In two self-portraits that we acquired this month, Burzon portrays both Jesus Christ (top) and the Virgin Mary (bottom). In short, it's a good time to collect religious art photography.
Kelvin Burzon (Bataan, Philippines, b. March 26, 1989 - Bloomington, IN), "Ama Namin” (“Our Father" in Tagalog) (c. November 2017). Artist Proof; Archival inkjet print on fine art glossy paper. Purchased at artist's studio, 2017.
Kelvin Burzon (Bataan, Philippines, b. March 26, 1989 - Bloomington, IN), “Ina ng Gracia” (“Mother of Grace" in Tagalog) (c. November 2017). Artist Proof; Archival inkjet print on fine art glossy paper. Purchased at artist's studio, 2017.