Out of the Darkness Exhibition

This exhibition by Ken Keen FRPS FDPS is a selection of images from a series on Sacred Architecture. The pictures are a celebration of the history and the mystery of these medieval buildings in which people have worshipped over the centuries.

The title of the exhibition comes from the first chapter of Genesis. It is a reference to the flowering of ecclesiastical architecture after the dark ages, as well as Ken’s own endeavours to overcome his loss of sight, plus the fact that the prints are produced in the sun.

Ken is a member of ‘Il Laboratorio’ (the Italian for studio or workshop), which consists of a small group who take an alternative approach to photography. He says, “It is not just a matter of technique. These are pictures where ‘vision’, creative and aesthetic sensitivity and craftsmanship all play their part.” Another aspect of their approach is that their sight and perception of contrast is limited to the ten stops of the characteristic curve. He says, “Many try to extend the photograph to include the minor details in the darkest corners of an image. But this is not what the photographers see. Including such detail detracts from the image as a picture. It again removes the mystery and romance.”

Ken overcame his loss of sight by his determination for his work to be judged against all comers rather than to be judged as the work of a ‘disabled’ photographer.