Michael Kenna: St. Josephs College, Upholland

Michael Kenna developed his first roll of black and white film at age eleven in a makeshift darkroom at St. Joseph's College, Upholland, the seminary he attended with the idea of becoming a Catholic priest. Kenna abandoned his religious calling after leaving the seminary, but his experiences there have continued to inform his work for decades. This series is one of Kenna's most personal and powerful projects, capturing the architecture of the school's built environment as well as its spiritual architecture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: Prestel

At the tender age of eleven, Michael Kenna embarked on a remarkable journey of artistic exploration when he developed his very first roll of black and white film in a makeshift darkroom nestled within the confines of St. Joseph's College, Upholland, the seminary he attended with the aspiration of becoming a Catholic priest. However, as fate would have it, Kenna's religious calling would eventually take a different path, leading him to abandon the seminary and pursue other endeavors. Nevertheless, the profound experiences he garnered during his time at St. Joseph's have remained an integral part of his artistic identity, shaping and influencing his work for decades to come.

When Kenna returned to visit the now-shuttered school in the early 2000s, he was greeted with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The once-thriving institution had fallen into disrepair, a poignant reminder of the passing of time. Yet, amidst the decay, Kenna found a profound beauty that resonated with him. His photographs, taken during that fateful visit, capture a meditative essence that is both captivating and evocative.

Kenna's work is characterized by its rich, nuanced tones and his ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. In these photographs, he explores the architectural marvels of the school's built environment, as well as its spiritual architecture. Through his lens, the buildings themselves become a testament to the history and legacy of the institution, while the spiritual elements evoke a sense of introspection and contemplation.

In addition to the visual splendor, Kenna's richly detailed biographical essay about his experiences and observations at St. Joseph's provides a deeper understanding of his artistic process. It sheds light on the way. Kenna's thought-provoking insights and the way he approaches his work, revealing the intricate layers of meaning and emotion that underpin his images.

A critical essay by Vincent Miles, titled "The 110-Year History of St. Joseph's College: Contextualizing Kenna's Time There," adds another layer of depth to this series. Miles delves into the 110-year history of the college, providing a historical context that situates Kenna's time there within the broader tapestry of its existence. His essay contextualizes Kenna's experiences, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped the institution and the individuals who inhabited it.

This series, which comprises a collection of stunning photographs and a critical essay, is truly one of Kenna's most personal and powerful projects to date. It encapsulates his artistic journey, his exploration of identity, and his profound connection to the past. The photographs evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, while the critical essay offers a deeper understanding of the artistic and historical significance of Kenna's work.

In conclusion, Michael Kenna's journey from aspiring Catholic priest to renowned photographer is a testament to the power. His experiences at St. Joseph's College, Upholland, have left an indelible mark on his artistic identity, shaping his work and influencing his perspective on the world. Through his photographs and critical essay, Kenna invites us to reflect on the passing of time, the beauty of decay, and the enduring power of the human spirit. This series is a testament to the photographer's talent and his ability to capture the essence of the ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary.

Weight: 1282g
Dimension: 322 x 358 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791387758