Seven Deadly Sins

“We are punished by our sins, not for them.” — H.L.  

In this series, Jamie Nelson explores the capital vices within Christian teachings known as the seven deadly sins—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.

With a modern twist to an age-old concept, Nelson highlights the seven deadly sins from a female point of view. For instance, she imagines gluttony as a nude woman lying in a pile of cannabis leaves. Meanwhile, she demonstrates greed, with a wad of cash stashed into an empowered stripper’s bikini. The images, originally commissioned by Playboy Magazine, celebrate the female gaze in a stylized and fashion forward approach.

Using ultraviolet lighting, Nelson plays forensic investigator, revealing the sins of her subjects in neon brilliance. Specialized UV reactive clothing, props, and makeup radiate light of their own, shedding light onto the sinner.

The images redefine our traditional understanding of the seven deadly sins while placing them in contemporary times. Nelson uses high-tech lighting combined with an ultraviolet fashion to show that ancient biblical concepts are still relevant in present day. As we know, culturally acceptable vices including social media, recreational drugs, and the American diet can be fatal and serve as proof that “we are punished by our sins, not for them.”