Photographer Roland Reinstadler gained rare access to the Lanegg monastery in Lana, South Tyrol, Italy, for his book In Umbra Lucis. Initially introduced by the prior in the Teutonic Order, Reinstadler photographed the architecture, inhabitants, light and shadows, capturing the everyday moments of the nuns and priests within their surroundings.
An intimate look at faith and tradition
Reinstadler described the project as 'a book about faith, the divine and the lives of the friars and nuns of the Teutonic Order. At the same time, it’s an attempt to shed light, through metaphorical images, on the more complex side of the church. For me, it is also a very personal book and project, and perhaps even an attempt to come to terms with my past.'
Symbols of change
Among the images are discarded crucifixes at Säben abbey, which Reinstadler says can be interpreted as a symbol of the current situation of the church, reflecting the decline and abandonment of the monastery. They stand for an ageing population, the decline of religious communities and the loss of life and tradition.
Daily rituals and community
Other photos show priests sharing a traditional South Tyrolean afternoon snack, an elderly nun caring for plants in the convent greenhouse, Prior Arnold reading the Bible before lunch, and a young candidate lying prostrate during an initiation ritual into the Teutonic Order.
A personal project
Reinstadler notes that for him, it is a personal attempt to come to terms with his past. In Umbra Lucis is available to pre-order from GOST.
