LAZARUS OF BETHANY
Creative Direction & Art Direction
The client aimed to merge religious iconography with editorial fashion, using Afro-surrealist elements to challenge conventional depictions of spirituality and power. The challenge was to incorporate dramatic lighting, symbolic gestures, and glowing textures that echo divine imagery while maintaining a high-fashion aesthetic.
PROBLEM
This editorial reinterprets religious tropes, blending light, darkness, and iconography. A spotlight casts the subject as a deity-like enigma, while a glowing cross and bold wardrobe evoke sacred grandeur. The contrast of illumination and shadow deepens the sense of mystery and divinity.
CREATIVE APPROACH
WARDROBE
Vibrant garments shimmer under the spotlight, reminiscent of ceremonial attire.
Void space isolates the subject, emphasizing subjects attire
SET DESIGN
High-contrast lighting isolates the subject, mimicking the divine glow seen in religious paintings.
LIGHTING
The cross-shaped facial markings, dramatic posing, and interplay of light and shadow evoke a theme of spiritual awakening.
SYMBOLISM
CREDITS
Creative Direction: Michael Onipede // Photographer: Hope Obadan // Stylist: SirdonKay // Talent: Victor Olaniyan