DEK

In her latest book of photographs, Faith, fashion photographer Jackie Nickerson turns her gaze to the Catholic religious orders scattered throughout Ireland--where, following stints in England, Zimbabwe, Tokyo, and New York, she recently settled with her husband. Nickerson spent over two years working her way into some of the most closed orders in Ireland, capturing portraits of the monks and nuns who choose to practice their faith through what she calls an "institutional life." She also caught the everyday details--bare hallways, a cluttered kitchen, television sets--that lend quiet, routine, spirituality, and humor to that life. Although what she saw was atmospheric and peaceful, one monk, finding his portrait too simple, sent it back to her with flowers drawn in to "brighten it up." Here, a sampling from the collection, which was shown last fall at the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York.