Mention St. Teresa of Ávila to a lapsed Catholic and you’ll probably be greeted with a knowing grin. The Spanish martyr was known for her unique brand of mysticism — a rapturous state that sounds a whole lot like the throes of sexual passion. In a series inspired by Italian Renaissance painter Bernini’s sculpture The Ecstasy of St. Teresa, British artist James Roper has depicted contemporary porn stars in spiritual rapture. In his mixed media works, the adult actresses’ bodies are rendered as simple, gray drawings; the real focus is the swirling, multicolored storm of revelation engulfing each woman’s head and chest. See Jenna Jameson and friends explode into religious passion after the jump.
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Nikki Benz, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm. All images via Behance.
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Amy Reid, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Aletta Ocean, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Jessica Jaymes, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Shyla Stylez, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Puma Swede, 2006, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Jenna Jameson II, 2006, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Lachelle Marie, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Alektra Blue, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Sophia Rossi, 2006, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Alexis Amore, 2006, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm
James Roper, The Ecstasy of Gina Lynn, 2009, mixed media on paper, 29.5cm x 42cm