GIRL FROM MAGDALA by Lu Rodiger
Backstory: The Girl from Magdala began as a vivid dream. I remember the skull, the red cloth, the books, the fly, and an overwhelming emotion. After waking in the middle of the night, I wrote everything down and couldn’t stop thinking about the image. Research led me to the works of Caravaggio, whose dramatic lighting mirrored the vision I had. I felt as if an unknown force was guiding me to complete this piece.
Lighting was crucial, and after following various techniques, none worked until I simplified the setup—starting with the skull and one light, then adding the props and the model. I shot the series with a single roll of Kodak film, limited but focused. Weeks later, another dream revealed a voice saying, “I am Maria Magdala.”
This deepened my understanding of the figure I was portraying—a woman often shamed for her sexuality, misunderstood by those unaware of the sacred connection between sex and divinity. The universe is sexual, and creation itself is born from the union of opposites. Through this series, I explore that forgotten truth.
Backstory: The Girl from Magdala began as a vivid dream. I remember the skull, the red cloth, the books, the fly, and an overwhelming emotion. After waking in the middle of the night, I wrote everything down and couldn’t stop thinking about the image. Research led me to the works of Caravaggio, whose dramatic lighting mirrored the vision I had. I felt as if an unknown force was guiding me to complete this piece.
Lighting was crucial, and after following various techniques, none worked until I simplified the setup—starting with the skull and one light, then adding the props and the model. I shot the series with a single roll of Kodak film, limited but focused. Weeks later, another dream revealed a voice saying, “I am Maria Magdala.”
This deepened my understanding of the figure I was portraying—a woman often shamed for her sexuality, misunderstood by those unaware of the sacred connection between sex and divinity. The universe is sexual, and creation itself is born from the union of opposites. Through this series, I explore that forgotten truth.
Backstory: The Girl from Magdala began as a vivid dream. I remember the skull, the red cloth, the books, the fly, and an overwhelming emotion. After waking in the middle of the night, I wrote everything down and couldn’t stop thinking about the image. Research led me to the works of Caravaggio, whose dramatic lighting mirrored the vision I had. I felt as if an unknown force was guiding me to complete this piece.
Lighting was crucial, and after following various techniques, none worked until I simplified the setup—starting with the skull and one light, then adding the props and the model. I shot the series with a single roll of Kodak film, limited but focused. Weeks later, another dream revealed a voice saying, “I am Maria Magdala.”
This deepened my understanding of the figure I was portraying—a woman often shamed for her sexuality, misunderstood by those unaware of the sacred connection between sex and divinity. The universe is sexual, and creation itself is born from the union of opposites. Through this series, I explore that forgotten truth.
About Artist:
Rodiger’s work brings his subconscious to life, illustrating the delicate balance between attraction and destruction. Inspired by the symbolic nature of the moth—drawn irresistibly to light despite its peril.
“Anger is my power. (It) explains things in a way - when I have these dreams, I can turn into a more fearful monster to fight the ones that bother me. Anger is a frequency that is higher than guilt and shame. It’s fire - creative and destructive depending who is driving.“ - Lu Rodiger
Lu Rodiger brings his lucid nightmares and existential visions to life in Las Paganas, a series of large-format works shown exclusively at Hotwater Gallery.
Las Paganas draws deeply from the introspective and self-reflective journey of Lu Rodiger, whose work is shaped by the tumultuous path of his life. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, and later moving to San Diego to live with his grandmother without his parents around, to later the dissolution of his marriage, and the fading of his passion for playing music. These trials have become fertile ground for his artistic expression - morphing his anger into a cosmic brute-force sword going on the offense - manifesting in vivid, almost surreal film photography. His work channels the haunting, lucid nightmares and existential visions that emerged during these periods, transforming them into meticulously crafted visual narratives. Rodiger spends months conceptualizing and constructing his sets, from handcrafting props and gowns to selecting the perfect model to embody his vision. His process is deliberate, often culminating in just a handful of shots — each frame an intentional, singular moment from a vision.
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PRINTING
Each museum-quality Fine Art Print is a part of our true-photograph gallery collection expirience and is available as an open edition for a limited time. Printed on archival, artist-grade, luster crystal photo paper using archival wet lab inks with 100% UV resistance, each piece of artwork is made-to order locally, just for you.
OUR FRAMING PROCESS
Fine art photography should be protected and displayed which is why we offer complimentary custom framing on all of our pieces for customers here in the U.S. Our premium hand-made hardwood frames are available in black and white made from high-end natural wood. Each frame comes with easy hanging hardware hooks, no tools required, so your artwork is ready to hang as soon as it arrives.
We offer premium shadow box frames as standard for all print sizes. Shadow boxes make a photograph more definitive by adding extra depth between the back board, artwork and the glass. It is an absolutely stunning method of framing and the preferred choice of most photographers, galleries and designers.
PRINT SIZING
Small - Image Size: 12" × 18"; Frame Size: 16 ⅞" x 24 ⅞"
Medium - Image Size: 16" x 24"; Frame Size: 23 ⅞" x 31 ⅞"
Large - Image Size: 24" × 36"; Frame Size: 31 ⅞" x 43 ⅞"
Gallery - Image Size: coming soon; Frame Size: coming soon.
Small, Medium and Large prints float in the frame and come with a 2" fine art border for Small, and 3.5" fine art border for Medium and Large, and are framed in premium Shadow Boxes hand-made locally in San Diego. Gallery prints come with a 4" fine art border and are framed in our premium Shadow Boxes, or optionally in acrylic Premium Lightboxes.
We offer premium shadow box frames as standard for all print sizes. Shadow boxes make a photograph more definitive by adding extra depth between the back board, artwork and the plexiglass. It is an absolutely stunning method of framing and the preferred choice of most photographers, galleries and designers.
*for images with alternative ratio the image size will be matched to the specified dimensions on the longer edge; the shorter edge can vary
SHIPPING INFORMATION
Due to the high demand for our exclusive artworks, each piece undergoes a detailed process of printing, mounting, and framing, which can take up to 1 to 2 weeks. We are rushing to ship orders right away as soon as we ensure that each artwork meets our stringent quality standards. As soon as your artwork is dispatched, we will provide you with a FedEx tracking number. This enables you to conveniently monitor the delivery status of your unique piece.
RETURN POLICY
Each photograph in our collection is individually printed and framed according to your specific preferences in size and framing style. This personalized approach to art creation means that we are unable to accept returns or exchanges.
We understand that sometimes second thoughts occur. Due to our commitment to quick order fulfillment and the custom nature of each order, we can only accommodate changes or cancellations within the first 24 hours after your order is placed.
f your artwork arrives in a condition that is anything less than perfect, please contact us immediately. We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction and will promptly address any issues by repairing or replacing your piece.
