In order to get the level of detail in these portraits that Patrick and Mary wanted, Patrick took 7 to 8 photos of Mary as she stood very still, and stitched the photos together so that the texture of the fabrics, the paint on the skin, can be seen in a way one cannot possibly see them in the films. It’s important that the artifice is seen; see how things are constructed, since human beings are constructed through language and history and mythology, and it’s the imperfect assemblage of these layers that makes humans interesting. The Hammer museum in Los Angeles commissioned these lightboxes in 2015 to accompany the premiere of the finished trilogy of films.


One of the things which drove me into Greek Mythology is that ancient people seem to have a lot of fun at their gods expense. Gods could be ridiculous as well as powerful. Since the ancient Greeks loved athletic contests we see Priapus in costume as a volleyball hero, with high top, sneakers and knee pads and sweatbands; lifting a volleyball that is a pun on another ancient god, Ba’al.