In 'Sisters of Sclerder,' photographer Ibolya Feher documents the life of nuns in The Carmelite order, one of the longest-running, most scrupulous orders in the Catholic faith. Along with their vows of chastity and poverty, the nuns have also taken on a vow of silence. All of their daily tasks, save for prayer and brief recreational breaks, are carried out in complete silence.
Feher was able to get inside the walls of the 200-year-old Sclerder Abbey only after convincing the prioress that she her intention was to merely capture the nuns' daily lives, judgement-free.
During her time there, Feher was subject to the same silent treatment as everyone else. Still, there is a sense of warmth and honesty emanating from each photograph; a sense of welcoming and goodwill, or, more accurately, God's will.
Silent Nun Photography
Ibolya Feher Photographs Nuns Who Have Taken a Vow of Silence
Trend Themes
1. Spiritual Photography - There is an opportunity to explore photographic documentation of religious practices in different orders and faiths.
2. Silent Communication - There is an opportunity to develop communication tools and methods that embrace silence as a means of fostering deeper connections.
3. Mindfulness Tourism - There is an opportunity to develop a mindful travel industry that offers visitors a chance to experience silent retreats, meditation centers, and monastic stays.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Innovation opportunities in developing photographic themes that center around religious practices and beliefs.
2. Communication Technology - Innovation opportunities in developing communication tools and methods that leverage silence as a means to build deeper connections.
3. Wellness Tourism - Innovation opportunities for the travel industry to build and scale offerings around the concept of mindfulness and silent retreats.