Social History / Documentary photography
Local photographer Kaz Leroux is on a quest to find the Green Man
Since her Rainbow City series, which was shared as part of Bristol24/7’s ‘Creative Lockdown’ series in June 2020, Bristol-based photographer Kaz Leroux has gone from strength to strength.
During the pandemic, she successfully entered a few competitions, resulting in some of her pictures being exhibited in Greece (October 2020 and October 2021) and Italy (November 2020 and January 2021), and online through a Slovenian virtual gallery after she was shortlisted for a prize (November 2021).
Last month, Leroux became a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society, or LRPS. The RPS, which moved to Paintworks in Bristol in 2019, was founded in 1852 and is one of the world’s oldest photographic societies. Its distinctions are among the most widely recognised and respected photography awards throughout the world.
is needed now More than ever
A cow at Stanton Drew stone circle, Somerset
Leroux has now started a new photography project on the Green Man in churches, in Bristol and the surrounding area initially. The pagan figure is everywhere and yet so easy to miss. The artist is asking people for their help to locate him in all his forms and styles of representation.
Have you spotted a Green Man or Green Beast in a nearby church? If you look up at roof bosses, capitals and corbels, gargoyles, bench ends and poppyheads, even under the stalls in choirs, you may discover the Green Man there.
Having an interest in medieval and Celtic history as well as paganism, Leroux was inspired to start this new project when she went to follow the Jack-in-the-Green procession through Bristol last Beltane.
Whippets playing at Oldbury Estate
“Bristol is a fantastic city for the arts,” she reflects, “with some great galleries, big and small, and lots of exciting street art.
“In terms of photography, we are very lucky to have the RPS and the Martin Parr Foundation here, as well as the Bristol Photo Festival returning in 2024. There’s always so much to do, it’s hard to keep up!”
If you can help Leroux to find the Green Man in churches, please contact her via her website or Instagram (@kaz_leroux) with specific details of his hiding place in the church. This is a long-term project, so there is no deadline. All information will be gratefully received.
All photos: Kaz Leroux
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