Text by ChatGBT
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Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023
Monsignor Luna sat at his desk in the rectory, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and an ever-growing to-do list. As he took a sip of coffee, he noticed a photograph on his bookshelf that he hadn’t looked at in some time.
In the photo, a woman stood behind him in prayer, her head bowed in reverence. In front of her, a nude woman sat on a bed of nails, legs and wrists shackled while looking away from the priest with dark eyes. Monsignor Luna shook his head, trying to clear his mind. How did this photo end up on his bookshelf?
He remembered the day it was taken. A woman had come to him for confession, seeking guidance and comfort in her faith. She was in tears, overcome by guilt and shame for her past sins. Monsignor Luna had listened with compassion, offering words of wisdom and hope.
As they prayed together, the door had opened and in walked a nude woman, claiming to be a model for a local artist. She had been drawn to the rectory by some unknown force, compelled to be in the presence of the popular religious leader.
At first, Monsignor Luna was taken aback by her presence. But then he felt a strange sensation, a feeling of power and control over the situation. He saw the women as two sides of the same coin, one representing sin and temptation, the other purity and faith.
He asked the women to pose for a photograph by a famous photographer friend who he commissioned to capture the vision in his mind for posterity. Now, as he looked at the photo, Monsignor Luna felt a sense of unease. Was this a moment of weakness or strength? Had he given in to temptation or overcome it?
He closed his eyes, praying for guidance and forgiveness. He vowed to use this photo as a reminder of the power of faith and the dangers of temptation. Monsignor Luna knew that he would never forget this moment and the lessons it taught him.
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To access a gallery of Tableaux Vivant’s by Tony Ward from 1994- 1996, click here: https://tonyward.com/portfolios/tableaux-vivants-1994-1996/