Men Of The Cloth
The iconic Pretini photography series by Mario Giacomelli, of clergymen at play in the snow, has always been one that I have found magical. There is a beautiful innocence in those who play in the snow. It is as if all are instantaneously brought back to the childish wonder and glee of first snowfalls. I find it amazing to think that those on the street who would otherwise pass each other by without word, or even acknowledgement, will in the snow, smile and perhaps even trade a happy remark about the snowfall. The incomprehensible power of nature in that moment seems to be able to bring back a sense of camaraderie and friendship, perhaps even stemming from that childhood perception of snow.
I suppose the power of these photographs lies in the fact that they are of clergymen. It is because they are traditionally seen as leading lives of rules and order, that it makes their revelry in the snow all the more poignant. Indeed it even allows for a greater power of universality in the meaning of the images.
These photographs remind me that we should all take the time to have a little fun in our lives. It is of finding and cherishing that childhood wonder and innocence within us, and through it, allowing us to see the world in a more positive way. We seem to place far too little importance on doing the small things that make us, and indeed others, smile. These photographs serve as a constant reminder to us all, to take some time out in order to simply do something that we enjoy.
"I met a bishop today. I'm pretty sure he was an impostor though, he didn't once move diagonally!"
For those of you wondering whether there is a fashion slant to this post (whilst secretly admiring the variety of head wear above), there is actually a relevant purpose to these photographs. Indeed the purpose lies within the latest print of limited edition publication, Nomenus Quarterly. For the latest issue, photographer Erik Madigan Heck drew inspiration from Giacomelli for his photographic survey of the works of Belgian fashion designer, Ann Demeulemeester.
The idea behind the images was for the narrative of the youth, and the desire to return to the romantic and infant world. Indeed, with the use of garments from Demeulemeester's menswear collections, spanning from 1996 to 2009, the concept of the modern romantic was clear. There was a beautiful balance between childhood innocence, romanticism and even vulnerability within the images, which were a fitting tribute to such a talented and skilled designer.
The concept for the shoot in itself was something to be marvelled at, and I find myself in pure admiration of both Demeulemeester and Heck's work. Unlike many other designers, there has always been a visual and conceptual coherence in Demeulemeester's work, which inevitably allowed for this concept to work. Indeed, it is actually an extremely rare occurrence for collection pieces spanning over a decade from a single designer to be able to stand alongside one another and look as if they belong. So much so, that the looks ostensibly could have even come from a singular collection.
Whilst Demeulemeester's work has invariably evolved, managing to remain contemporary and relevant, there is a beauty in the coherence of her concepts. The dark and modern romantic created by Demeulemeester has always been a look that I have been fascinated by, and indeed these photographs manage to create a world I would love to find myself lost in...
