Noli Me Tangere is a photography series by artist Kelvin Burzon (Bataan, Philippines, b. 1989) that examines the intersection of queerness and religion. Named after a seminal 1887 novel by Philippine hero and martyr José Rizal, the series fosters a conversation about repressions imposed by religion, culture, and politics.

Rooted in Burzon’s Filipino Roman Catholic upbringing, the genesis of the series can be traced to the signing of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015. This political juncture underlines the interchange between church, state, and the marginalized groups they oppress. Burzon recontextualizes Catholic narratives and imagery by inserting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, utilizing iconography, drama and opulence associated with the church.

The chaotic and conflicting interactions between these entities manifest themselves as tableaux vivants, which aim to showcase the brilliance and camp within queer culture while also addressing conflict through beauty and shared experience.