Established religion is having a tough time at the moment. Every week there are new revelations about the misconduct of the Catholic Church, conversion therapy spreading beyond the Bible Belt and the murky financial schemes of televangelists and mega churches. But as the highest holy day of the Christian calendar approaches, it seems that we are not collectively out of faith – Kanye West will be holding a Sunday Service on the “mount” at Coachella.
You’d be hard pressed to find Biblical support for all the aspects of the Yeezus-run services, but scripture aside, it shows how much people like the structure of “church.” The Sunday Services have been happening since the beginning of the year, and involves a gospel choir singing renditions of Kanye songs, while wearing neutral-toned clothing from the singer’s Yeezy line. The events attract famous guests like Katy Perry, Tyler the Creator and Courtney Love, but the content of the services remains shrouded in mystery as attendees are asked to sign NDAs. Still, clips have reached the public through the Instagram accounts of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
While music has been in the spotlight for many of the performances, little is known about what kind of sermons are given at these events. A video of rapper DMX has appeared online leading the group in a prayer and some controversial statements from Kanye West on the R. Kelly and Michael Jackson documentaries have surfaced. Not long after David LaChapelle posted a video from a Sunday Service, he posted a series of his Michael Jackson photographs that depict the late star as an angel — which similarly caused controversy in the media as well as in the comment section.
The American photographer has long been a fan of using religious imagery in his work – a Christ-like figure graces the cover of his latest book, Good News (2018). Before Kanye West released his Yeezus album, LaChapelle photographed the musician as Jesus for Rolling Stone, telling Flatt Magazine in 2014 that the concept was his idea. While West is far from the only celebrity to receive the Christ-like treatment from the photographer, LaChapelle has made the reference a family affair. His most recent post on Instagram is of Kim Kardashian, with the caption: “Trials are nothing else but the forge that purifies the soul of all its imperfections / Mary Magdalene.” LaChapelle also hinted between photos of Kardashian that he will be releasing a new series on Easter.
While it is uncertain whether or not the series will be connected to the Sunday Service at Coachella, it seems that both artists are having a religious moment. This type of moment doesn’t necessarily follow the dogmatic beliefs of a particular denomination, but it has an appeal. Beyond faith, there is a comfort people receive from the ritual of singing together on a weekly basis and from engaging in the celestial imagery of figures we all know.