Gothic Saint Portraits

Natalie Shau Photographed Modern-Day Saints for The Blessed

Lithuanian illustrator and photographer Natalie Shau has created a set of book covers for The Blessed, a book series by Tonya Hurley.

The dark, thrilling series centers around a group of modern-day teenagers that have been reincarnated as saints. According to Kirkus reviews, "the girls may be saints, [but] they are definitely not angels." Shau kept this description in mind when designing the covers, merging the unlikely elements of teenage-hood and sainthood together with deftness and clarity.

The subjects have an ethereal air to them -- translucent skin; luminous eyes; a halo; -- that's blemished with the earthly pleasures of sex and intrigue. There is a darkness to the Saints that's not typically associated with Godliness and holiness.
Trend Themes
1. Dark Saint Imagery - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating controversial and provocative religious art that challenges traditional perceptions.
2. Reimagining Religious Figures - Space for disruptive innovation in reinterpreting saints and religious figures in a modern, edgy way.
3. Merging Opposing Concepts - Potential for disruptive innovation in merging contrasting themes, such as teenage culture and sainthood, to create compelling narratives.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Illustration - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating unique and thought-provoking artwork that challenges conventional notions of religious imagery.
2. Publishing and Literature - Space for disruptive innovation in redefining how religious figures are portrayed in literature and book covers, appealing to a younger and more alternative audience.
3. Fashion and Beauty - Potential for disruptive innovation in incorporating dark and ethereal elements inspired by the Saints into fashion and beauty trends, catering to those seeking a more unconventional aesthetic.

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