Luminescence from the Luminescence collection shows how Christy Lee Rogers captures the power of light. Image:

Sony World Open Award Winner Christy Lee Rogers captures the power of light in Luminescence, her new mesmerizing underwater photography series.

BY KAZAEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Introduction

Christy Lee Rogers Captures the Power of Light

In a world consumed by darkness, Sony World Open Award winner Christy Lee Rogers presents her latest collection, Luminescence, as a powerful call for individuals to embrace their own inner light. Drawing inspiration from the concept of luminescence in physics, Rogers utilizes deep, black pools and high-powered underwater spotlights to illuminate her models, creating captivating images that delve into the depths of our consciousness.

The Concept of Luminescence

Luminescence, in physics, refers to the phenomenon where certain objects emit light through the excited state of their atoms when exposed to specific frequencies, such as ultraviolet light. Rogers cleverly employs this concept as a metaphor for our ability to generate positive energy when we focus on the bright side of life. By exploring this theme through her artwork, she aims to inspire individuals to awaken their own luminescence.

Exploring Light and its Symbolism

Light has captivated humanity for centuries, symbolizing spiritual freedom, health, healing, and goodness. It plays a vital role in sustaining life through photosynthesis and serves as a metaphor for the transport of energy. Rogers explores the concept of light’s invisible presence around the human body, akin to different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, symbolizing energy transport and sustaining life through photosynthesis. Her exploration transcends conventional viewpoints.  She actualizes the existence of other life forms within weightless spaces, using vivid splashes of color to create abstract and ethereal imagery. This artistic approach to underwater photography is unveiled in “Legend,” where vibrant hues of yellow, blue, and red intertwine with a radiant intensity akin to the birth of a dancing soul. The luminous white that binds these colors together evokes a transcendental rapture, captivating and imbued with transformation.

The Power of Light in Christy Lee Rogers’ Photographs

Christy Lee Rogers: The Artist Behind Luminescence

As the mastermind behind Luminescence, Christy Lee Rogers envisions a different kind of Renaissance—one that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit, transcending the limitations of our current reality. Amidst global conflicts, the rise of artificial intelligence, and talks of interplanetary travel, Rogers invites us to view life from a fresh perspective. With this collection, she seeks to escape preconceived notions and explore the unknown with an open heart. However, she remains grounded in the awareness that humanity requires peace, care, resources, and basic freedoms. “If there was ever a time that we needed a Renaissance it would be now. So I wanted to imagine a different kind of Renaissance… a Renaissance of body, mind, and spirit into the unknown,”  She said.

The Baroque Influence in Rogers’ Work

The Baroque style, characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and grandeur, serves as a constant source of inspiration for Rogers, drawing from its origins in 17th-century Italy. By incorporating elements of the Baroque into her underwater photography, she captures the power and beauty of the human form, resulting in timeless and modern images. The use of water as a setting enhances the mystical and dreamlike quality of her artwork, allowing her to convey emotional and symbolic meaning through her subjects.

Rogers brings the Baroque style to life in series such as Human, Muses Hybrids, Odyssey, Siren, and Celestial Bodies. The grand drama, vibrant colors, intense light, and deep shadows inherent in works in these series encapsulate the artist’s intense desire to evoke profound emotional experiences and ignite a captivating visual journey for the viewer. In “A Dream Dreamed in the Presence of Reason” from the Muses Series, for example, Rogers skillfully combines human forms with colors to evoke emotions and passion. She captures a pivotal moment as a group of characters, dressed in blue and white clothes, aggressively pursues a woman clad in red. The bold utilization of tenebrism, movement, and contrast in this artwork is reminiscent of Peter Paul Rubens’ painting, The Judgment of Paris, but with an even more pronounced sense of drama and power.

Underwater Photography and Chiaroscuro Lighting

Renowned for her expertise in underwater photography and videos, Christy Lee Rogers captivates audiences with her skill and artistic vision. What sets her apart is her unconventional technique of shooting from above the water while utilizing the refraction of lights. This approach creates a mesmerizing bending effect, resulting in otherworldly and unpredictable compositions.

Rogers has spent over 15 years refining her technique, pushing through barriers, and embracing the unpredictable nature of her art. Many of her photographs may not be usable, but it is through this process of experimentation and pushing boundaries that the true beauty and hope in her work emerge.

Recognition and Achievements

Christy Lee Rogers’ artistic talent has garnered widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In 2019, she was honored with the prestigious “Open Photographer of the Year” award at the Sony World Photography Awards. Her innovative and captivating style has also led to her being compared to Baroque painting masters like Caravaggio.

Furthermore, Rogers has been a finalist twice for the Contemporary Talents Award from the Foundation François Schneider in France. Her exceptional skills and artistic vision caught the attention of Apple, which commissioned her to create underwater images using the iPhone 11 Pro. Her artistry has adorned album covers, such as the 80s band Wang Chung’s “Orchesography,” and earned selection for the performance season of the Angers-Nantes Opera in France.

In 2020, Christy Lee Rogers had the honor of creating the cover image for the 2021 Lavazza Calendar titled “The New Humanity.” Her art continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

Rogers’ Unique Technique: Shooting from Above

While many underwater photographers immerse themselves in water to capture their subjects, Christy Lee Rogers takes a different approach. By shooting from above the water’s surface, she follows the movement of the water and models as they gracefully wade. This unconventional perspective adds a sense of dynamism and captures the interplay of light and water in a truly remarkable way.

The Process of Experimentation

Constant experimentation characterizes Christy Lee Rogers’ artistic journey, driving her exploration and evolution as an artist. She fearlessly pushes the boundaries of her technique, fully aware that not all outcomes will be successful. However, it is this willingness to explore the unknown that gives rise to the hope and beauty that define her work.

Rogers embraces the unpredictability of her medium, allowing it to shape her art and reveal new possibilities. Through her perseverance and dedication, she continues to produce captivating images that transcend traditional photography.

The Inspiration of Water

Water has always held a special place in Christy Lee Rogers’ heart. Having grown up in Kailua, Hawaii, she developed a deep fascination with its inherent qualities. For Rogers, water represents a life force that remembers the past and sustains our existence.

The fluidity and transformative nature of water inspire her artistic expression. Through her work, she captures the essence of this precious element and conveys its symbolic meaning, reminding us of the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural world.

Human: Strength in the Face of Adversity

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Christy Lee Rogers had already completed her latest series. In light of the global crisis, she named the collection “Human” during the post-production process, symbolizing resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

One of the standout images from the series is titled “Riders of the Light.” It portrays three angels ascending, gazing down upon humanity. In the context of the pandemic, this image serves as a reminder that sometimes we need darkness to fully appreciate the light. In a heartfelt gesture, Rogers plans to donate this work to the Mount Sinai Hospital Intensive Care Unit in New York City. Additionally, proceeds from another photograph in the series, “Venus Rising,” have been donated to charity.

Art with a Message

Throughout her career, Christy Lee Rogers has consistently conveyed messages of freedom, hope, and resilience through her art. Her captivating images transcend mere aesthetics and inspire viewers to reflect upon their own journey and the world around them.

By exploring the interplay of light, water, and the human form, Rogers invites us to contemplate our place in the universe and the power we possess to create positive change. Her art serves as a beacon of light, reminding us of our shared humanity and the limitless potential that lies within each of us.

Conclusion

Christy Lee Rogers’ latest collection, “Luminescence,” beautifully captures the essence of light, water, and the human spirit. Through her unique perspective, she encourages us to embrace our inner luminescence and shine a light in the darkest corners of our world. Rogers’ innovative techniques, rooted in underwater photography and the Baroque style, have earned her recognition and admiration in the art world.

Immersing ourselves in her captivating images serves as a reminder of how art has the power to transcend boundaries and inspire profound introspection. Let Christy Lee Rogers’ “Luminescence” serve as a catalyst for embracing our own light and spreading positivity in an often dark and challenging world.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of underwater photography?

Underwater photography offers a unique perspective, allowing artists to capture the ethereal beauty and transformative qualities of water. It provides a canvas for exploring the interplay of light, movement, and the human form, resulting in mesmerizing and captivating images.

How does Christy Lee Rogers create her unique lighting effects?

Rogers achieves her distinctive lighting effects through the refraction of lights while shooting from above the water’s surface. This technique bends the light, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly quality in her photographs.

What is the Baroque style of art?

The Baroque style originated in 17th-century Italy and is characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and grandeur. It often features richly detailed compositions, conveying a sense of tension and drama. Christy Lee Rogers incorporates elements of the Baroque style in her work to evoke powerful emotions and create timeless imagery.

How has Rogers’ work been recognized in the art world?

Christy Lee Rogers’ artistic talent has garnered numerous accolades, including the Open Photographer of the Year award at the Sony World Photography Awards in 2019. She has been praised for her innovative approach to underwater photography and has received recognition and commissions from esteemed institutions and organizations.

What message does Rogers convey through her art?

Through her art, Christy Lee Rogers conveys messages of freedom, hope, and resilience. Her images inspire viewers to reflect on their own journey and the world around them, encouraging them to embrace their inner light and effect positive change in the face of adversity.