Venus, an etherial and luminous symbol of beauty, is the subject of International water artist and photographer Christy Lee Rogers’ latest release “Venus Rising." In response to the growing devastation of the Coronavirus around the world, she’s orchestrating a quick release of the first image from her up-until-now secret "Gravity” collection. Two edition sets will go on sale immediately, with all proceeds going to Save the Children, and No Kid Hungry charities. (Note: Charity donations will go till June 9th, 2020, and the prints will be available for normal sales starting June 10th here AVVOLA)
Inspired by Botticelli’s "The Birth of Venus” and the idea that contemplating her beauty is a way to elevate the human spirit and get closer to the divine, the image shows three figures lifting up and supporting the central character on a fabric created sea shell. A representation of humanities strength to come together to protect the beauty of our way of life, and the persistence of mankind during such a vulnerable time in history. Photographed underwater, the light illuminates the central figures through darkness. A peaceful Venus appears to rise up unscathed into a moment of triumph.
Rogers says that she is dedicating this image to humanity during one of it’s most trying moments in history, with a special dedication to Italy. “Italy has a profound place in my heart, and I want to see all of it’s people, it’s artists and it’s creativity recover fast and continue to create their beauty for the world.” Rogers works have often been compared to sixteenth century Italian painters like Caravaggio, with her strong use of chiaroscuro lighting techniques.
Rogers goes on to say “I can not bear to see so much suffering in the world. It’s as if everything changed over night. I couldn’t get any of my normal routines done, and the only thing that felt right and calmed me was to create. A few days ago, upon completing the 'Venus Rising’ image, I started to feel hope again. I started to home school my son and to really see what was in front of me. So many people coming together to help, and all from a physical distance. And no matter what life may throw at us, we have the power to love, to create and to dream up our future. No one-- nothing can take that from us."