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Read the cover story from Nov. 2006 Irish American News
“Ireland in Black &
White”
Barry Hendrickson’s fine art photographs, an ongoing
series of the vast and surreal landscapes of Ireland
Barry Hendrickson’s much acclaimed series of portfolios,
“Ireland in Black & White,” is a stunning and
breathtaking look at the vast and surreal landscapes of
Ireland. His dramatic black and white images of thought
provoking and starkly beautiful panoramas conceal both
the rich and tragic history of Ireland. These
photographic interpretations of Irish landscapes are
luminous in nature, and rarely seen in this light. This
ongoing series of photographs attempts to illuminate our
Irish heritage and its sense of place.
As a commercial and fine art photographer from
Minneapolis, Minn., Barry has a unique outlet that
combines his passion for photography, his love of family
histories and interest in Irish heritage. This series,
“Ireland in Black & White,” encompasses all of
these drives.
An Ongoing Series
Each year Barry works on a new series with a unique
geographical or cultural focus. “Years ago, we began
researching our family history and needless to say, we
were intrigued. As we experienced Ireland and witnessed
the changes taking place, we initially decided to
profile these counties of Ireland for posterity.”
explains Barry. But as his research in other counties
pulled him in, he began portraying other parts of
Ireland. This coming year, Barry is excited to be
releasing his next portfolio which highlights parts of
Co. Galway and the Aran Islands.
 Traveling
nationwide, he exhibits his “Ireland in Black & White”
series at some of the top fine art shows in the country,
such as the highly regarded Old Town Fine Art Fair in
Chicago. He also displays this limited edition series at
select galleries, cultural institutions and festivals
across the U.S.
Barry personally appears at all exhibitions to show his
work and to discuss his photography and Ireland. He has
unbridled enthusiasm and passion for his work and it
shows.
His work has struck cords with patrons as stories
surface about the subjects of his photographs.
Interacting with people and talking about Ireland is his
favorite part, as their experiences and family histories
influence and help shape the direction of future work.
The Response to the Work
“When I am drawn to the essential nature of a place, my
goal is to bring the full essence of what these places
feel like to life in my photographs. This is everything
to me. Using the interpretive and emotive qualities of
black and white, I strive to invoke a sense of
atmosphere in my images.” says Barry. He must be
accomplishing this goal because the response to his
Ireland work has been tremendous. Even leading customers
to write in his guest book, “You’ve captured her soul.
Grand!” and “You’ve brought me to tears.”
About the Photographic Process
Influenced heavily by the legacy of the Zone System,
Barry’s work begins at exposure with a pre-visualization
of the image in black and white and how he will render
this impression in the master print down the road. In
the tradition of the fine print, he works to develop
print contrast with rich velvety blacks and an emphasis
on relative tonal range. “With composition and the play
of light and shadow, I attempt to bring a sense of depth
to the image, so as to look in rather than at.” says
Barry.
To See the Work
If you would like to view or purchase Barry’s original
fine art photographs, go on-line to
www.IrelandinBlackandWhite.com. You can also contact
Barry Hendrickson Photography at
612-617-8170.
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