The OC Wall Calendar is the title of a wall calendar and videos first published in 2012, featuring nude and semi-nude photographs of members of the Orthodox Church. The calendar is the brainchild of a group composed mostly of Orthodox eastern Europeans of the former region. The primary goal was to create the very first organized global effort against homophobia in the Orthodox region and counteract prejudice against the LGBT community. "The goal is to show that Orthodox believers do not necessarily fit into the stalls as the press make of them. They are ordinary people with passions, preferences, interests and desires. At the same time, calendar ironic approach to the Orthodox Church which in recent years has been plagued by scandals, oppression, sex scandals and homophobia". For 2014 the Team release "BIGGER, HARDER, BETTER!", "a second illustrated calendar, created in a 'Tom of Finland' style, with a similar pro-gay theme". This edition pays tribute to LGBT people in Russia and was born from the collaboration between OC’s Art Director and Hungarian artist Tienne coming back from Russia.
Contents
The calendar and videos have 12 nude and semi-nude photos of persons portrayed as Orthodox priests and their guests. The style – with bold colors, homoerotic undertones and gentle ironic humor – appears to be inspired in part by the works of David LaChapelle and Pierre & Gillesas the creators of the calendar compare the concept of their work. Photo sessions and casting took place in the predominantly Orthodox area of eastern Europe.
Photo sessions and casting took place in the predominantly Orthodox area of eastern Europe. The casting call is open to the public via online announcement on the promoter’s website: "Clergymen or seminary students who would like to contribute to the 2014 edition of the Orthodox Calendar 2013 can contact us via email …"
Reception
Launched in September 2012, the first edition of Orthodox Calendar was met with success and positive reception all over the world, and in particular after it was covered by the western press. Buyers tend to include gay communities, as well as women, liberal believers and those interested in avant-garde photography as art or social commentary.
Since last September OC2014 became symbol for the marriage equality movement in Taiwan. It has been sold worldwide and delivered to over 200 countries.
Creative Team
The team is composed of 6 young creative talents of primarily Orthodox faith.
Products and licensing
The company in charge of its production and distribution retails directly from its website, on Amazon and via several independent retailers in various countries. During the first semester 2013, additional products are expected to be made available.
Concepts & Artists Statements
The team met in Bucharest during a shooting in summer 2010, and from this meeting was born a friendship and an exchange of viewpoints and ideas and a creative collaboration.
They created stories featuring some of their members striking a pose and openly standing for who they are underneath the priest’s clothing they wear: regular people with passions, preferences, interests and desires.
The first series (OC 2013) called "For freedom of speech, unity and tolerance" tells the individual story of 12 intensely masculine young men and their guests representing different parts of Eastern Europe. All are open-minded and believe that it is important to be perceived as individuals committed to diversity and acceptance against homophobia who reject contempt and violence. Disrespect for gay human beings weakens thousands of children and adolescents, promotes risk-taking, and increases vulnerability to HIV and those steeped in silence, shame and secrecy.
The second series (OC 2014) called "LOVE IS LOVE – ORTHODOX OR NOT!" pays tribute to gay marriage. It is the story of young gay couples from Eastern Europe sharing a common dream of one day being able to wed their beloved at the altar of their local Orthodox chapel.