David LaChapelle's works from the new series on the Stations of the Cross on display in Rome

From Oct. 27, David LaChapelle ’s new exhibition of his never-before-seen series Stations of the Cross, which will be presented during the Florence Biennale on the occasion of the lifetime achievement award given to the U.S. photographer, opens exclusively to the public at Galleria Deodato Arte on Via Giulia 122 in Rome.

The exhibition presents striking new works, fifteen scenes of the Stations of the Cross arranged along a path symbolizing Christ ’s journey to the Crucifixion, which the artist has interpreted by drawing inspiration from different examples, from medieval to postmodern times, imagining the traditional religious narrative in a new, colorful and poetic way. With his unique style and composition, LaChapelle presents in the guise of Christ the Italian artist and actor Tedua, for whom the photographer signed the covers of the albums Purgatorio and Inferno; theatrical elements along with symbolic figures transport the devotional practice, in which the viewer visits each station praying, into the present time.

In the exhibition and in conversation with the Stations of the Cross, in addition to several works from several well-known series in his portfolio, LaChapelle is exhibiting Earth Laughs in Flowers, the series made between 2008 and 2011 inspired by traditional Dutch vanitas, depictions of symbolic objects that make one reflect on the vanity of earthly achievements and pleasures; as always, in his ten vanitas LaChapelle mixes humor and drama along with everyday objects to remind the viewer of our mortality.

“It is a great responsibility to welcome David LaChapelle for this occasion,” explains Deodato Salafia, “this is his first exhibition at our Rome location, after the exhibition of iconic works at Deodato Milano last fall. Once again LaChapelle, who has already treated subjects related to Christianity, such as the Annunciation, offers us with incredible surprise a survey of one of the most traditional pillars of the Roman Catholic Church. A work of 15 sets create a collection destined to remain in art history.”

For all information, you can visit the official website of Deodato Arte Gallery.

Pictured: David LaChapelle, He is Made to Bear His Cross, Los Angeles, 2023

David LaChapelle's works from the new series on the Stations of the Cross on display in Rome

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