Alexander Supartono, an Indonesian art historian and curator, included my documentary photography project, The New Cathedrals, in the Southeast Asian selection for Photoquai Paris 2013. I was the only Filipino in this international exhibition, making the experience even more special. Beyond the event, it also gave me my first and last visit to Europe.
What is Photoquai Paris?
Photoquai is a photography biennale in Paris that showcases contemporary works by photographers from non-Western countries. Founded in 2007, the Musée du Quai Branly organizes the event to highlight diverse cultural perspectives. The exhibition transforms the Seine’s riverbanks into an open-air gallery, featuring emerging and established talents who tell unique visual stories.
The New Cathedrals: A Documentary Photography Project
In the Philippines, Catholic masses are often held in malls on Sundays. This practice does not mean Filipinos visit churches less. Instead, the Church brings religious services to places where people gather.
I started The New Cathedrals in 2009 out of curiosity. I wanted to document how masses take place inside malls, usually at activity centers. The high ceilings in these spaces resemble those of grand cathedrals. Over time, I expanded the project to include masses held in government and commercial buildings and even inside NAIA Terminal 3. This project combines two recurring themes in my photography: faith and urban life.
Photoquai Paris 2013
The fourth edition of Photoquai Paris ran from September 17 to November 17, 2013. The exhibition featured over 40 photographers from 30 countries. As part of this event, The New Cathedrals became part of the museum’s photography collection, marking a milestone in my career.
