In America, churches are being sidelined at increasing rates, resulting in them being abandoned each year. Many of our nation's churches can't afford to be maintained causing these numbers to elevate further. Although most citizens still claim to be Christian, participating in congregation has become less central to the faith than it once was. Millennials are increasingly leaving organized religion at significantly higher rates than any other generation before them. However, while the number of people who identify as theists or agnostic has risen slightly, the largest category they fall into is what has been deemed "nones".
This trend as our generations age has resulted in churches being left abandoned continuously over the years. These empty buildings dot our natural landscapes leaving a piece of history in their place. This body of work captures these once celebrated locations just as they appear today; aging and desolate. Through suggestive photography and self-portraiture, this work encases a journey exploring the progression of religion in our culture. Using historic religious buildings within the work allows for discussion and interpretation of the shifting opinions and organized religion. This work creates a conversation about the transitional period our society is currently going through and brings up important questions to reflect on.
