The Houstonian: First of all, why did you pick the title “Holy Shit.” for your photo gallery?
Daniel Flores: It’s supposed to be a play on words. It can be used as an expression of surprise when seeing something unbelievable. Or the other interpretation… like actually shit that is holy.
TH: Is this your first time displaying your work in a gallery like this?
DF:This is my first gallery. I feel like this is my strongest work to date, and I’m really proud of it.
TH: What went into putting the gallery together?
DF: Honestly, these are all the photos I have on the subject. I started this project this semester in my Documentary class. All the frames were made and painted for this show, so that was actually the bulk of the work.
TH: Your collection conveys a blending of Christian tradition and commercialism. Was this your intent?
DF: Definitely. It’s my belief that what the religious iconography represents, and the mentality that puts those same icons on random items to be sold is completely contrary and paradoxical.
TH: Are the photographs from one locale?
DF: The photos were taking mostly in Austin and the Rio Grande Valley.
TH: There has been some controversy surrounding your gallery and its title. Can you elaborate on that at all?
DF: I asked Student Activities if it was possible to post flyers with my vulgar title, and they obviously said no, which is totally understandable.
TH: Will you be pursuing a career in professional photography after graduating this month?
DF: I’m not sure what the plan is. I need to add a few more photos to my grad school portfolio, and I’m going to start sending out my work. We’ll see what happens.