THE CHURCH OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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At Through This Lens Gallery
303 E. Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701.
919-687-0250

Jean-Christian Rostagni: 919 416 1111

CHURCH OF PHOTOGRAPHY : click here for more info on this new denomination. The Church of Photography is at the origin of the inspiration for Rodrigo Dorfman's full feature documentary film on my work Monsieur Contraste.

A new short film,
Monsieur Contraste is Moving On Up, is illustrating the move of the Church of Photography from its historical location, to downtown Durham in a preeminent location.
The Church of Photography is now part of Through This Lens and offers daily worship under the supervision of our Bishop Roylee Duvall: Tues-Fri 10:30-5:30, and Sat: 10:30-4:00.

As well as special services on Third Fridays: 5:30-9:00 with our Prime Minister Jean-Christian Rostagni, who is also available on appointment. Feel free to call (919-416-1111) or email, see
"contact me" button at bottom of page.


Credit Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover. American Express
EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU CAN FIND:
more art, less pope
More Art Less Pope

From the Moral Mondays series. This photograph was first printed for the "Truth to Power" show at Pleiades gallery in Durham, July 2014.

Read more about this photograph
  • Print #1, 16" x 24" in black lacquer flush mount frame designed and constructed by myself $4,500.
  • Print #3, 16" x 24" $1,500.
  • Print #4, 11" x 16.5" $675.
  • Print #6, 8" x 12" $375.
  • Print #7, 6" x 9" $275.
  • Small Print, 4.75" x 7" $150.
  • Artist Print #1, 16" x 24" $950.
Poster Church of Photography 2014
Official Poster Church of Photography, December 2014


This is our new official poster, celebrating our new venue in downtown Durham. Richly printed on Epson Enhanced matte. A staple of all respectable collections.
  • Mini Poster 13" Tall $40.
  • Poster 2014 (23.75" tall) $75.
Poster Church of Photography 2012
Official Poster Church of Photography, December 2012


This is the first of our official posters, printed on Epson Enhanced matte. Be part of the legend.
  • Mini Poster 8.5" x 10.75" $35.
  • Poster 2012 (23.75" tall) $75.
Rockefeller Tower
Like Rockefeller


This photograph is going to be in the fall show at the Green Hill Center for N.C. Art in Greensboro opening on September 1, and titled "A Contemporary Look at the City." This is spectacular photograph that combines whose combination of geometry and light seems close to perfection.

  • Proof Print #10: 4.75" x 4.75". $75.
  • Proof Print #1: 7.75" x 7.75". $175. (a print that size is $300.)
  • Print # 3: 20" x 20". $1,400.
  • Print # 5: 38" x 38" in 49" x 48" floating frame built by myself and signed: $7,000.


Other sizes available on order
Ground Zero
Close to Epiphany


This photograph was shot on January 2nd, 2010, close to Epiphany the Catholic celebration, which has turned into a larger meaning, as this title is intended to. This print was created for the "Relocations" show at the Greenhill Center for N.C. Art in Greensboro, in September 2011 :

  • Print # 5: 14" x 14". $725.
  • Print # 4: 20" x 20". $1,400.
  • Print # 7: 24" x 24". $1,875.
  • Print # 2: 43" x 43". $4,000.
  • Print # 1: 43" x 43". Framed by myself (signed frame) $5,500.

Other sizes available on order
La Défense
Au Meilleur des Mondes

This photograph was shot in February 1991 and shows the last construction stage of La Défense with the Big Arch as the culminating point of Paris' Major Axis. This is obviously an historic photograph showing an ephemeral and surprising period of this extraordinary site.

This photograph was first printed in analog with mordançage in 1993, 3 prints like that exist. It was reprinted digitally for the "Relocations" show at the Greenhill Center for N.C. Art in Greensboro in September 2011.

  • Proof Print #2: 7.75" wide. $65.
  • Print #5: 24" wide. $1,500.
  • Proof print #7: 30" wide. $450. (a print that size is $3,000.) on Epson Enhanced Matte paper (excellent proofing paper)
  • Print # 3: 20" x 30". In 44" wide black Lacquered floating frame build by myself (signed frame) $2,500.

Other sizes available on order
Don Quixote Fungus
Cervantes is Among Us


This photograph is iconic of my series "La Nature Humaine," which is a second tier of evolution from Edward Weston, and features mostly photographs of nature metaphoric for human psyche. This very photograph was recently in the "Art of the Auction" show at the North Carolina Museum of Art. When creating the print for the N.C.M.A. I revised the original file that I had produced in 2009 to make the print lighter and more airy. As a result of this, prints produced earlier are now being discounted :

  • 4.75" x 4.75" from revised file : $75.
  • 7' x 7" from revised file : $275.
  • Print #1: 11"x11". $350. Torn Edges with 7/8th margins (regular price for that size is $650.)
  • Print # 4: 20" x 20". $1,400.
  • Print # 5: 14" x 14". $725.


Other sizes available on order
Lavender Field
UN SOIR A VALENSOLE


This photograph was shot in 1984, in the far east corner of the Plateau de Valensole where it touches the Alps. The ever presence of the mountains, the light of that almost dusk time, and the way I print it, give this photograph a uniquely evanescent character. Note that the print will surprise you and will exhibit a presence that cannot be felt on screen.

This photograph was reprinted recently and is available in all sizes. 2 artist prints are available at rare prices for this photograph:

  • 4.75" x 7" proof print : $65.
  • 4.75" x 7" small print : $85
  • Artist print #2: 11"x16.5". $750. (regular price for that size is $1,000.)

One full fledge print reduced $50. because of small 11 mm margins :
  • Print #10: 9"x14". $650. (instead of $700.)
  • Print #9: 18"x28". $1,750.
  • Print #9: 18"x28" in Blue maple frame made by myself and signed. $4,000. (Alert! This price is too good to be true, won't last one way or another)

Other sizes available on order
butterfly and Field
VENUS ON MARS


This photograph was shot in 2005 on my wife's parent's farm, near Mars, and is the closure photograph of my series "Life on Mars."

  • Proof Print # 7: $95.
  • 7" x 7.5" small print: $250.
  • Print #1: 11" x 11". $450.
  • Print #7: 12" x 12". $550.

Other sizes available on order
mars
WELCOME TO MARS


From the Life on Mars series. Shot in Mars, PA, in July 2005. This is the title photograph of the series, whose part I was exhibited at Through This Lens gallery in Durham in November-December 2006.

  • 3" x 7.5" proof prints #1, 2, 3, 4 : $60
  • 3" x 7.5" small print #1 : $75.
  • 1 artist prints available: two 6" x 15" for $300. unframed.
  • Full scale prints 6" x15" #5, 6 : $500.
  • Full scale print 9" x 23" #8 : $750.

Other sizes available on order


Must see: Print #1. Very special frame in my own line of moulding that I assemble and finish myself. Maple with blue and white pigments. State of the art, this piece is unique, 51" wide. $6,000.
Abercombie & Fitch
Neo

From the Life on Mars series.
  • Proof Print #1, 4.75" x 7" $45.
  • Proof Print #2, 6.75" x 10" $75.
  • Proof Print #20, 6.75" x 10." $200.
  • Print #3, 11" x 16.5" $725.
appalachia tree
LIFTING.


Shot in Grayson HIghlands State Park, VA, in 1998. From the series "La Nature Humaine," which offers a non monolithic itinerary through metaphoric photographs of nature. This photograph displays both grace and power. All prints with mordançage (see "No House Left Behind Without Art" paragraph above) and 14" x 20.75" . Due to the extremely difficult technical nature of these prints, they are extremely limited, not to mention that the paper on which they were printed is not manufactured any longer. Only 9 prints remaining from the original printing session, some framed , some not :

  • 1 artist print: $2,000.
  • All other regular prints at $4,000., $5,500., $8,000.
appalachia tree
On Paye Content.


Shot in Raleigh in May 1992 on the day of the first verdict of the Rodney king trial. This photograph obviouslyy illustrates the racial tension in America, still present to these days after the stunning Ferguson miscarriage of justice. More on this photograph.

This photograph is also a printing "tour de force." I struggled to make very dynamic prints respecting the difference of laminations in the scene , all while keeping very warm tones. Printed with mask :

  • 16 prints, all 21" tall, starting at: $1,000.
  • Top prints: $5,600.
presidential election 2012
All Colors Election


This photograph was shot on Duke East Campus in Durham, N.C. in August 2012, and is my vision of the 2012 election that saw a knife fight between the 1% and its lackeys trying to overthrow a President who had otherwise overcome the many trappings that the reactionaries had placed on his way. While this election was not generating the popular circus often seen in the U.S. for Presidential elections, there was in fact a latent quiet mobilization from people of all stripes to resist the demagogue coup attempted by the Republicans.

  • Proof Print : 4.75" x 7." From $45. (Let's be democratic!)
  • Proof Print : 6." x 9." From $100. (Let's be democratic! again)
  • Print # 1: 8" x 12". $375.

Other sizes available on order
50 years back
Time Machine

From the Moral Mondays series.
  • Small Print #1, 4.75" x 7" Militant Price $100. (instead of $175.)
  • Print #1, 6.25" x 9.5" Militant Price $200. (instead of $275.)
NOTE: Militant pricing available only on first four prints sold, regular pricing applies after that.


Other sizes available on order
Obama Inauguration
Of, By, For


This photograph is iconic of my series "First Morning on Venus" which documents the inauguration of Barack Obama along its popular angle. The atmosphere is those photographs is unique and does not seem to have any equivalent in what was captured that day, hence a most likely bright future for those photographs. I recently revisited the file and it now yields a lighter and more airy print. As a result of this, prints produced earlier are now being discounted:

  • Small prints available from : $85.
  • Large collection of prints of various sizes and prices to fit all budgets and needs, see here.
  • Artist print #4: 15"x33". $425.

Must see: Similar piece as the one presented to the White House by the French Ambassador, M. François Delattre. 27" wide torn edges print floating in blonde walnut frame from my own line of moulding that I assemble and finish myself. State of the art. $4,000.


Purchase Of, By, For Prints
Barack Obama
PRIMARY KNIGHT.


Shot at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill in April, 2008. Some say that this kind of scene will never happen again thanks to security concerns.

  • Artist Print: 5" x 7" $150.
  • Artist print 8" x 12" $300. and $375.
Occupy Wall Street
On a Marvin Gaye Tune

Proof prints from proofing scan available :

* Proof Prints #1 to 4, 4.75" x 7" : $45.-75.
* Proof Prints #5.6, 6.5" x 9.75" : $125.-150.


Other sizes available on order
modern art
Understand Modern Art


Some professors at Hogwarts know a potion which enables people not naturally inclined to it, to understand Modern Art. Some clever folks are able to import it, albeit in very small quantities. My wizardry skills in magical visual chemistry have allowed me to replicate the power of that potion in a photograph. Because that photograph is itself modern art, the potion's power is multiplied exponentiallum. There is no need to say any spell, owning a print and reflecting on it is the only requirement. Cure is guaranteed but it may take longer for some than others. As always faith in yourself is the key ingredient.

This was shot on 9th St. Durham, in a shop vaguely reminiscent of Diagon Alley. It will be the perfect treatment for you or a great gift bringing relief to all in need.

This Photograph is part of my series "
Art in a Reptilian World."

  • 4.75" x 7" proof print : $75.

  • 6.3" x9.5" my christmas gift to humanity for the better understanding of art : $200. (instead of $300)

  • 8" x 12" my second christmas gift to humanity for the better understanding of art : $275. (instead of $375)

Other sizes available on order
minor league baseball durham bulls
UNSQUARE DANCE.


Shot at Durham Athletic Park in 1994 during the last season of the Durham Bulls there for my book project with Clyde Edgerton "Hit Bull Win Steak." Clyde has been gracious enough to write that this is one of the best photograph he has ever seen.

I have a few prints available, all with mordançage (see "No House Left Behind Without Art" paragraph above):

  • 1 small print 5" x 7" $300. (back is not immaculate but perfectly healthy). There is only one at this price, don't let someone else get it! Sold
  • 1 small print 5" x 7" $1,200. This one is perfect.
  • 3 regular prints left, 8.25" x 11.25" $4,000.
nude
EVEIL MATISSE.


This is a photograph that I have a special fondness for, because it is real, something that nudes are not always known for, and photographically pure. As a matter of fact, I discovered that Weston had done nudes along those lines, which is an appropriate way to phrase it I guess.

Prints are all 12" x 18" and all piezzography, a really beautiful way to print black and white, reminiscent of platinum prints.

  • Artist Print: #1 $250.
  • Artist print #7 $700. (the best artist prints I have of this photograph)
  • Regular print is $775. and available

Must see: Print #9. Gorgeous walnut frame in my own line of moulding that I assemble and finish myself. State of the art. $3,600.
Christmas with Moon
CHRISTMAS CLOSER TO THE MOON


This is a happy story, a photograph shot in my neighborhood in Durham in 1999, as the moon closer to the Earth, and consequently unusually bright. Christmas light decoration enhance it with a touch of charm. This photograph has met great success. I have improved the printing quite a bit over four different print runs. This is printed in Piezzography, a process of great beauty that I do not use anymore, but which has great merit. If you want a Piezzography print of mine, this would be a great opportunity.

Small prints available from $65.

11.5" x 11.5." From $385.

11.5" wide print, black stained ash framed: $1,600.
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THE CHURCH OF PHOTOGRAPHY

We believe in redemption through art

918 Carolina Avenue, Durham, NC 27705.

919 416 1111

WHAT IS THIS ?

Photography is of a polytheist nature, we especially praise Edward Weston and Henri Cartier-Bresson of which our preacher Jean-Christian Rostagni, who often goes by J-C, is one of the few illegitimate sons, hence his innate hybrid nature marrying the French and American schools of photography.

The church of photography is where J-C's photographic words of wisdom originate and where parishioners and pilgrims come to explore and share the knowledge in a salon type of meeting where the blood of the Rhône Valley grapes is served as the lifeline of minds and spirit.
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Hell in Manhattan
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Enjoy a recent crop of vintage prints, some framed, most not, pulled out from the drawers of history and available at prices never to be seen again when they are gone (from $20. and up). Analog (darkroom) prints on legendary papers long disappeared, Cibachrome prints, even some Fresson prints. Fresson prints are extremely rare, the most archival prints in the history of photography, completely organic, made by one family in the world whose secret has been kept since the 19th century. Also some very rare silver prints with "mordançage." This last word is French, not translatable, that's how rare it is. Those prints use a technique created by my mentor and that I brought back to life in modern times. It consists in removing part of the gelatin to let the silver of the print shine. It is difficult to know how many exactly, but most likely only a handful of photographers in the world offer such prints.

Installment plan : pay 1.5% a month., with ten percent down, no interest.
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church of photography
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Occupy Wall Street
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Close to Epiphany
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Abercombie & Fitch
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Don Quixote
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La Défense
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Obama Inauguration
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Manhattan
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Lavender Field
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Butterfly and Field
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modern art
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appalachia tree
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minor league baseball durham bulls
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Primary Knight
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nude
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Mars
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Christmas Moon
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Presidential Election 2012
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Poster Church of Photography
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50 years back
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More Art, Less Pope
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On Paye Content
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Poster Church of Photography 2014