Interview with Christopher Sonzogni

Desolation Ration: So how long have you been working with photography?

Christopher Sonzogni: I began teaching myself about two years ago. I've always had an interest in the visual arts, and I've always entertained the idea of immortalizing moments in life. As F.W. Murnau said, "We are scientists engaged in the creation of memory... but our memory will neither blur nor fade".

DR: What are some of your major influences?

CS: All different things. Obsessions mainly - the occult, horror films, quasi-controversial subjects, different moments in history, books I read...

 women I find captivating.  I tend to lean towards the dark side, or the "uncomfortable" if you will. I have always since a kid had a fixation with stuff the majority would prefer not to see or know about. But I've found that it is the most taboo of things in life that deserve my attention more than anything else, as there is usually much truth and wisdom in these shadowy corners of reality that frighten most. I like to try and capture the essence of these things in my work.


DR: Why do you feel as though these things call out to you?


CS: I find these things to be interesting, and full of mystery and wonder. I think if someone is too faint-hearted to face what they consider to be dark or "evil", that person more than likely fears and hates something within themselves. Knowledge is knowledge to me, and if I can pass on that knowledge through an image, then more power to me."


DR: Is there anything specifically that has been an influence, in the artwork that you are currently working on?

 CS: Well, one of my recent series was inspired by an obsession I have with Gnostic concepts, or more specifically what's called the Abraxan Mysteries. Which I first came to understand through a text called "Septem Sermones ad Mortuos" by C.G. Jung. What Abraxas is, is a deity that embodies opposites: darkness/light, good/evil, right/wrong, reality/illusion, and so it goes. In essence a god that represents perfect balance. The central idea behind the Abraxas symbol is, to know and comprehend it is to be in harmony with nature as it truly is. I named the work "The Sisters of Abraxas" with the two models in the work represented as sort of agents, whose message is order. The Sisters of Abraxas for me is little more than just mere erotica. I utilized erotic imagery because, like any honest person, I find it quite titillating. But it's the underlying message behind the series that really counts for me. Of course, realistically, I do not expect everyone to understand the symbolic value of this work necessarily... at least not on a conscious level.  Some, if not most, are indeed only going to notice the fetishistic eroticism of the series, which is fine. But the series does actually have a deeper meaning.


DR: What about the symbolism and fetishism that was used in this series. I notice a lot of BDSM play and use of Nazi imagery. Can you tell me about that? 

Well, recognizing BDSM as a sort of "Abraxan act" you could say, I decided to have the situational bondage there to symbolize the balance that exists between a master and slave relationship, and how when combined produce natural order. Hence the role of the master and the role of the slave transcend one another. Insomuch as neither can exist without the other. Now, in concerning the symbols that were used. Already I've had a few people assume that the series is mere Nazi Fetishism, which is understandable on some level. However, the role they play in the series is actually not quite that simple. These symbols actually have a dual purpose. On one level, these symbols all, in some way, bear relevance to Abraxas. On another level, they were also used for their authoritarian significance in history, to represent the very natural polarity of masters and slaves, which is indeed what the world is truly made of..

DR: So how would you say, you are communicating this type of symbolism in your art? 

CS: Well first of all, these symbols all have occult significance. Symbols in general bear much energy and meaning, and have the potential to have very strong effects on the human psyche. In having this understanding I decided to use the symbolism to possibly resonate certain emotional reactions in the viewer. This and there was also the intention of using them as a statement against the propaganda machine that has managed to mentally enslave the majority of  the Western world to egalitarian thought; and basically knock it out of touch with natural law. As I stated before, the Sisters of Abraxas are intended to represent order in a period of complete and utter chaos. Albeit in a very subliminal way. 

DR: How would you explain your creative process?


CS: It depends really. Sometimes I approach a project with a set of ideas. Other times ideas evolve as I begin shooting. There have been times where I've become overly excited about a creative revelation I'll have in the middle of a shoot - these moments can been very chaotic actually. But I always manage to make it through and get my vision across. I just make sure to limit my consumption of coffee to one cup on those days (laughs).


DR: Where are some exhibitions displaying your art, and when are some of the times that people should go out to see your work? 


CS: I currently have two exhibits going on in the city of Philadelphia, both of which are of an erotic nature. The Sisters of Abraxas are being shown at a fetish fashion store called Passional Boutique, and another series is being shown, along with the work of ten other artists, at a small gallery called The Aphrodite Gallery. 
At this point, my plan is to just keep exhibiting my work throughout the Philadelphia area, and perhaps gain a following of like-minded fans along the way. I am also looking into possibly booking a show in Iowa at a gallery called "Finders Creepers". There are quite a few projects in the works currently.

Aphrodite Gallery at PASSIONAL-Philadelphia's Showcase for Erotic Fine Arts!

www.aphroditegallery.us