It is said that the first debates about the entanglements between church and state — and the not-great ways they impact people’s lives — took place in ancient Athens. When Socrates, the Greek philosopher, was prosecuted for his lack of reverence to God, it left people talking.
Some centuries later, “Noli Me Tangere: Paradise,” an art show featuring photographs by artist Kelvin Burzon, examines migration and gender, and the areas where they meet with religion and homosexuality.
The exhibition is on display through March 12 at Storage Space Gallery, 121 E. 34th St, with an artist talk happening 2-3 p.m. on March 8.
The photos in “Noli Me Tangere,” which translates to “touch me not” or “don’t tread on me” from Latin, combine symbols normally seen in religious art with color and costumes representing queer culture. The title comes from a novel by Jose Rizal, whose writings inspired a revolution against the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines.
By using religious symbols, Burzon, who is a Filipino-American artist, also continues to explore the ways colonialism and religion leave a lasting impact on family relationships and cultural identities.
Garza Garcia has curated notable exhibitions with the Herron School of Art and Design galleries, as well as with GANGGANG. Knauber is a curator and contemporary artist.
Jennifer Delgadillo edits and writes arts and culture stories for Mirror Indy. You can reach her at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org.
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