Book Review: Catholic Girl by Andrea Modica
Layers Jessica Sangurima © Andrea Modica
Written by Aundréa Verdi
Photo Edited by Kelly Woodyard
Inspiration can strike us at a moment's notice. When paired with a sense of importance, its impact can be timeless, leaving a lasting impression. In the book "Catholic Girl," photographer Andrea Modica invites us onto the grounds of her alma mater, an all-girls Catholic high school, and takes us back to a momentous period in her career. Her work offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of what were the current students in the spring of 1984 and captures a unique time in their lives. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of her subjects, the photographer goes beyond documentation, delving deep into the complexities of identity, community, and coming of age.
Sara Longobardi Petrelli and Helen Pristouris Pavlakis copia © Andrea Modica
Andrea Modica feels that it is essential for every young photographer to have a “need to do the work” to do well in school simply. This moment for her is documented in the pages of “Catholic Girl.” She also states that when taking these photographs, she knew "intuitively there was something important for [her] to unpack. .” She perhaps understood that she was capturing something unique when snapping each picture. Capturing an ephemeral moment, not just the golden light of girlhood but also of the era. There is a sense of knowing that their teenage years will pass them by and that the ethos of the 80s will come to be looked back upon. In many ways, the work mediates the passage of time and its fleeting nature. Within each frame lies an intrinsic sense of nostalgia and an understanding of the importance of adolescence.
St Marys © Andrea Modica
Central to the book's narrative is the exploration of identity and self-expression.. Within Modica’s ability to capture the individuality and authenticity of her subjects, there is a more striking aspect to the work. Each photograph tells a story about these girls navigating the complexities of their youth.. Through their clothing, for instance, we can note how the subjects assert their individuality while they begin to gather a sense of who they are. Against their iconic plaid skirts, other elements such as hair, makeup, and accessories are where their personalities peek through. Moreover, the visual contrast between traditional Catholic uniforms and the trends in vogue in the 1980s adds a layer of intrigue to the imagery.
Patricia Forbes Karn and Kim Kane Forbes © Andrea Modica
Through her photographs, she preserves moments of innate beauty. The photographs are imbued with a sense of poignancy and sentimentality, allowing for a profound appreciation of the fleeting yet ethereal nature of life's seemingly banal moments. As viewers, we find ourselves directly confronted by the subjects or seamlessly integrated into the scene as if organically belonging to that particular moment. In these candid instances, we are afforded a deeper understanding of the photographer's intent, gaining insight into the lived experiences of the young women she portrays rather than merely observing them pose for a static image. . Through Modica's lens, these images transcend mere representation, as they portray a feeling of what it may have been like to roam the halls.
Michele Hutra © Andrea Modica
In "Catholic Girl," the evocative portrayal of high-school students transcends the confines of mere photography, offering viewers an insightful reflection on the essence of youth and a sense of self. Through her intimate exploration of her alma mater's hallways, Modica’s perspective crosses a special intersection of beauty, nostalgia, and documentation. The images resonate with a sense of truth and honesty.
Group © Andrea Modica
