When photographer Lucas Brito Drummond moved to Hell's Kitchen, he discovered that the neighborhood had more churches than any other in Manhattan. Intrigued by this unexpected spiritual richness, Lucas embarked on a mission to capture the essence of these houses of worship for an exhibition at the Photoville Festival. Hell's Kitchen Faith.
Lucas, originally from Brazil, has a knack for immersing himself in the history and culture of an area whenever he moves to a new place. When asked about the abundance of religious institutions in Hell's Kitchen, Lucas told W42ST, “I don't think people realize how many churches there are in this neighborhood, especially since it's in the name. [of the area] “Hell's Kitchen.”
Lucas spent countless hours documenting these sacred sites and discovered the immense role they play in the local community. Beyond their religious significance, Hell's Kitchen churches serve as vital hubs for food distribution, senior services and community events, and are welcoming to people of all faiths.
Among the stars of Lucas' exhibition are the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (W51st bw 9th/10th Ave) and the famous Church of St. Malachy (W49th bw Broadway/8th Ave), fondly known as the Actor's Chapel. Lucas was warmly welcomed by the Rev. John Fraser and his team, who graciously gave him the opportunity to capture the essence of their beloved chapels.
Of all the captivating images, one that particularly stands out to Lucas is a touching moment between mother and child. “That was really special,” he says. “It's such a beautiful moment and such a stark contrast to what people usually think of Hell's Kitchen.”
Lucas's photography journey doesn't end here. Hell's Kitchen FaithWith a Master of Specialized Studies in Digital Photography from the School of Visual Arts under his belt, he's gearing up for his next project: capturing the everyday lives of Hell's Kitchen residents. From bodegas to bustling street corners, Lucas hopes to shine a spotlight on the vibrant tapestry of life in this beloved neighborhood.
Hell's Kitchen Faith The works will be on display through June 16th at Photoville Festival 2024 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
