In God's wardrobe #2 Eglise Abbatiale Conques Soulages, 2025

Tano Shimi  

In God's Wardrobe.

Tano Shimi enters the intimacy of the officiants in this intimate series for her new exhibition in March 2025.

This black and white photograph, imbued with a solemn atmosphere, captures the soberly lit interior of the cloakroom of the abbey church of Conques, famous for its stained glass windows by Soulages.

His posture, facing a piece of aged wooden furniture, evokes a moment of meditation or prayer. The soft light, filtered through a window in the background, highlights the rich textures of the rough walls and wood, creating a striking contrast with the purity of the monk's immaculate garment. The restricted space reinforces the impression of intimacy and contemplation, while the absence of superfluous details directs our attention to the uncluttered scene. This work is distinguished by its ability to convey an atmosphere of calm and spirituality, while evoking an intrinsic historical dimension through the choice of setting. It captures the essence of monastic life with remarkable sobriety and depth.

The artist manages to capture a certain timelessness, inviting the viewer to explore the intimacy of the place. This subtle interplay between light and darkness, rigor and delicacy, makes this work a powerful testament to the art of photography, combining technique and emotion.

Tano Shimi offers an unprecedented temporal opening: that of the time of the change of costumes, of attire, of office. These few minutes of donning the religious habit, of the physical and material incarnation of the priestly office.

A work inviting perspective, introspection, and contemplation.

Edition of 25 copies

Signed and numbered print