Nathaniel C. Shannon "Immortal Until Death"

Sacred Gallery

poster for Nathaniel C. Shannon "Immortal Until Death"

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"When one stops to listen, the whispers of the dead can be heard. As a child, each Memorial Day my parents and I would visit the graves of our ancestors at various cemeteries in Michigan. I always enjoyed these trips. They connected us as a family, helped me better understand my family history and provided perspective on who I am today."

"Over the years, I became fascinated with cemeteries: the intricate architecture of mausoleums and headstone designs, the landscaping of the grounds and the expression of legacy present with each burial plot. As I grew older, I would frequent the cemeteries of Ypsilanti, MI, where I was raised, and wander aimlessly by myself for hours, enjoying the solitude, studying the tombstones and the names etched into them, creating stories about the dead."

"Visiting cemeteries became a peaceful escape from the stresses of the living world, the cemetery gates serving as a portal to history. Naturally, as my addiction to photography grew, I brought my camera through that portal with me."

"Because the photography of cemeteries is a very spiritual process for me, I prefer to be alone while I shoot. If the living are nearby, the tombs can't find me. I follow a personal code of ethics in these places, one that I choose not to share with others. The cemetery is not my home, it's the home of the dead. I respect the dead and am drawn to the energy of specific graves. When a grave does not want to be photographed, one way or another, its inhabitant lets me know."

"My goal is to portray of these headstones in the same way I do the living: as a vital element of their position in space and time. After all, we are all suspects."

"The titles of many these photographs are taken from Greek and Roman terms related to the underworld, biblical texts of the seraphim, and song lyrics or poetry which I feel are connected to the graves being photographed. I rarely use the actual tombstone name within the photograph's title, as the anonymity of the tombstone leads one to create their own history, similar to the anonymity of a living person passing on the street. The tombstones are a physical representation of these writings, and are given new meaning through my lens."

Nathaniel Shannon is a New York based photographer and musician. His fantastical explorations of the highly improbable portray an adolescent twist on adult ideals. His biting work balances playful and dark humor to confront an audience so self-aware they may forgotten how to simply enjoy things at face value. He believes art to be a distraction from the uncertainty of everyday life. His work represents whatever you think it represents. Childish. Fun. Silly. Offensive. Disgusting. Beautiful. Loud. Dark. Whatever you choose. He photographs the world as it presents itself to him, as we are all suspects.

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Schedule

from November 05, 2011 to November 27, 2011

Opening Reception on 2011-11-05 from 19:00 to 23:00
Complimentary Open Bar To Those Over 21 With Valid ID

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