Agape

The concept of freedom is deeply intertwined with American identity, and yet, many people in the deep south of the United States seem to seek the structure of organized religion. hints of religion loom in the background, and often in the foreground of the southern landscape. something about the mentality and culture of America seems to be a perfect breeding ground for extremes. In this series, captured in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, I explored places and people who live in fear and faith.

Joe Minter is a folk artist from Birmingham, Alabama. Minter, the artist behind "African Village in America," crafted a vast sculpture garden in his Birmingham, Alabama yard. The collection features sculptures, monuments, signs, plantings, and totems. It showcases African-American history, African ancestry, spirit warriors, African-American struggles and successes, as well as Biblical themes emphasizing God's goodness.

A demolished hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. more than 20,000 lay abandoned in the city.

A sculpture by folk artist Joe Minter

An anti abortion sign outside a home in Georgia

A home as seen from a highway in Georgia

Man crawling through a cave in the darkness, Alabama.

A property reclaimed by nature, Georgia.

A bloody cross looms over a church entrance in rural Georgia

A sign seen on the side of a highway, Alabama

An abandoned church, Louisiana.

Joe minter alongside his installations, Birmingham, Alabama.

Abandoned house, Georgia.

Man looks out at a foggy lake in Georgia.

Sign found on private property in Georgia.

Abandoned church in Alabama.

Remnants of Rice's cross garden, Alabama. William Carlton Rice, claimed God healed him of an ulcerated stomach on the night of April 24, 1960.Rice’s salvation launched decades of unusual evangelical advertising near his home in Prattville, Alabama: The self-ordained minister built a Cross Garden on three acres along Autauga County Road 85 that would eventually be visited by people from all over the world.