Andres was introduced to me by a friend in 2010. At the time, he was working on a book project on Nudes and needed a pregnant model - I was in my 7th month. The photo shoot took place at his house near Union Square. I was astonished by the religious content and furnitures of his home. It felt like entering a medieval chapel with its own dark wood priest chair, purple and red draperies, adorned with crucifix, Little Mary and other painted icons in the hallway. Him and his wife Irina were extremely charming. Funny to think that 2 years later his Piss Christ photograph was being vandalized by Christian protesters while on display at the Collection Lambert in Avignon, my medieval hometown in France, and former residence of the Popes. Had they known that Andres was actually a collector and fond admirer of christian art, with its aesthetics and worships ....Far-fetched.
I also like this photograph as it questions the consensus theory on social order and censorship on nudity especially female nudity, often viewed in our contemporary minds as a sin instigating the evil in men. What if Eve hadn't given that apple to Adam...? A good old christian propaganda ...
The paleolithic Venus of Willendorf
