R. J. Kern at Klompching Gallery in NYC

Kern’s photography is firmly rooted in presenting the human affect on the landscape and an inquisitive exploration of humanity through man’s relationship with domestic animals.

“Kern’s evocation of nature as a device to understand his own sense of self draws upon historical precedence: the use of animals as metaphor and the pastoral tradition. yet the artist’s broad concept—his exploration of identity—is firmly grounded in a contemporary context. This tightly knit series of images, which together characterize the author, is common to our age of social media. Kern’s aesthetic, however, emphasizes clarity and projects a warm stillness that is a balm to an overstimulate society. This contrast, too—the ties to digital media and the rejection of its characteristics—deepens his pastoral project.”.—Lisa Volpe, Associate Curator, Photography, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.