Lafcadio Hearn Gardens

This project forms part of my contribution to the Kilkenny Photographic Society (KPS) Exhibition in 2015

Lafcadio Hearn Commemorative Gardens

The images in this gallery attempt to echo the strong Japanese design influence in the Lafcadio Hearn Commemorative Gardens (Tramore, Co Waterford), in particular, the reflected natural environment and the minimalist aesthetic that’s found in traditional Japanese design and art. The choice of monochrome sepia toning for the images references one of the print types available during Hearn’s lifetime (1850 – 1904).

This Japanese style garden commemorates the life of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (1850 – 1904), who was an international writer, known best for his books about Japan. Born to an Irish father and Greek mother, he was raised in Ireland and spent many of his summers in Tramore.Hearn emigrated to the US and from 1872 was a reporter in Cincinnati, and from 1877 in New Orleans, and was well respected for his coverage of social issues.
In 1890 Hearn travelled to Japan on a one off assignment for Harper’s magazine. However, he became captivated by the country and it’s culture and stayed, marrying a Japanese woman in 1891. He became professor of English literature at the Imperial University of Tokyo and is still famous in Japan for his translation of Japanese folktales, some of which are still on the Japanese school curriculum.

Lafcadio Hearn on Wiki: Lafcadio Hearn on Wiki

Lafcadio Hearn Gardens Tramore: Lafcadio Hearn Gardens