Gods of Suburbia is an 11 piece, conceptual photography initiative analyzing religious faith within the modern context of technology, science and secularism. The project challenges the viewer — religious or secular — to embark on a journey of self-reflection as they contemplate the relevance of ancient ethics and morals in a society characterized by materialism and consumerism.
I was born in Israel, a country surrounded by two belief systems: Islam and Judaism. Living side-by-side with religion, I came to respect the deep faith of believers. But it became clear to me early on that a divide existed, not only between Islam and Judaism but religion and secularism. When I moved to Canada as a child, the disparity between belief systems became even more apparent. Living in a society where multiculturalism was both an ideal and national policy, the role of religion in society was brought into even sharper relief. I asked myself the questions: What is the role of religion within modern society and can there be compromise between religion and the secular ideals of rational thought, equality, democracy and justice?
“Gods of Suburbia†allows me to explore these queries. This initiative utilizes religious iconography and places the ancient gods and deities of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism as well as some of the less widespread belief systems like Scientology, Satanism and Wiccanism, in prosaic suburban settings. Such visual discordance is intended to reveal how irrevocably integrated religious thought is within all aspects of our lives and how religious icons themselves have become part of the popular culture.
Religion is a dynamic, evolving thing—as much a part of the human condition as technology, music, writing, poetry or politics. It is the foundation of modern society and a significant factor in how cultural and political systems work around the globe. By creating living, breathing representations of the world’s religions through the visual medium of photography, I hope to stimulate public dialogue about the role of religion in modern society and its influence in all aspects of society.