Day #26 - Art for Lent: David LaChapelle's "American Jesus" #Lent2016

ART + RELIGION
By Aaron Rosen

"Amereican Jesus: Hold me, Carry Me Boldly" (2009) by David LaChapelle | USA. C-print, 54 x 24 in.

LaChapelle created a posthumous Pietà of Michael Jackson cradles by Jesus, part of his 'American Jesus' series (2009). LaChapelle was raised Catholic, and often draws on Christian symbolism, although he no longer defines himself by one religion. He received his first break working for Any Warhol, and shot the final portrait of his mentor. 'I put two bible beside his head and framed it,' LaChapelle recalls, '[Warhol] went to church every Sunday when he was in New York. [page 66]

Lent is the annual Christian preparation for Easter. "Today's Art for Lent2016" features artworks that illustrate the Christian "Battle between Carnival and Lent."