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St. Valerius (Weyarn, Germany) by Paul Koudounaris (Courtesy of the artist/La Luz De Jesus)
DEATH NEVER LOOKED THIS GOOD!
Gird your loins and polish your face jewelry, Folks. This Saturday night is the opening reception of Dr. Paul Koudounaris’ (Paul K. to you and me!) photo exhibition and book signing for his “latest” magnum opus, The Empire of Death: A Cultural History of Ossuaries and Charnel Houses, at La Luz de Jesus in Los Feliz.
- Formidable scholar and sartorially splendid bon vivant, Paul K. traveled the globe for four years, researching and documenting “bone houses”, shrines and reliquaries. During which he managed to unearth a new field of study, shed light on near forgotten artistic and spiritual practices, and take gorgeously striking photographs of the macabre–while only getting arrested once!
Published by Thames and Hudson
The cataloging, presentation and interpretation of memento mori and death iconography on such a scale is no mean feat, and one can only imagine the social finesse, technical skill and acts of leger de main required to shoot these sacred subjects. Having read the author’s M.A. thesis (and somehow managing NOT to summon Baphomet), I have only the highest expectations of what is sure to be one potent brew of Art, Religious and Cultural History, not to mention 250+ striking images of skeletal and bone decorated artifacts, many of which have never been seen by the public. I’m getting giddy just thinking about it.
Books to be signed and prints specially selected by the artist are available for purchase via the gallery. (Click St. Valerius above to feast your eyes on even more awesomeness!) Events at Billy Shire’s place are always happenings and rumor has it that musical stylings for the event will be provided by the incomparable Don Bolles. Best plan to arrive early in order to snag your copy of this enlightening book and/or a sumptuous print to decorate your own sepulchre. See you there!
“Empire of Death” : Sept. 24 – Oct. 3, 2011 Artist Reception & Book Signing: Saturday, Sept. 24; 7-10 PM at La Luz De Jesus Gallery 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 323 666-7667
Can’t make this event? More info. and events below.
Empire de la Mort : Paul K.’s website and online resource.
Sept. 25, 2011: Lecture at LAVA (Los Angeles Visionaries Assn.) at Clifton’s 12-2pm (648 S. Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles): http://www.lavatransforms.org/salon911
Oct. 8, 2011: Book Signing and photos at the opening of the Dia de los Muertos at the Folk Tree (217 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena, CA): http://pasadenanow.com/PasadenaEvents/2011/08/12/1313133318
Oct. 10-31, 2011: Photo exhibit at Sancho Gallery (1549 W. Sunset, Echo Park, Los Angeles)
Oct. 22, 2011: Some of Paul K.’s images will be on display at Hollywood Forever’s Dia De Los Muertos Festival
This is tonight PEEPS….I still say that those celebrating with Mr. Cantu this afternoon can make it to this as well….runs until 10pm. 🙂