The set for this image was built from scratch allowing for very minor post-processing. For dramatic effect I exaggerated the contrast/colors and utilized continues lighting and external flashes. This image was inspired by American cinema and my Roman Catholic up bringing.
The concept came from a vision inspired by my Roman Catholic up bringing and American cinema. The purpose of juxtaposition an angelic figure such as the Virgin Mary next to an African American man is to have the viewer create his/her own question based on his/her personal experiences. With the idea that we see what we want to see.