This series of photographs documents confessional booths in cathedrals and churches throughout numerous cities in Italy. An interior inside an interior, their inherent intimacy is crafted in unendingly unique styles, often made by hand by artisans. Marcella Hackbardt’s photography is consistently informed by objects and gestures infused with symbolism. The confessional is a site laden with meaning and intentionality, such as the hope or promise of forgiveness, and the quest for understanding through the sharing of one’s life stories. 

Image: Marcella Hackbardt, Santo Spirito, courtesy of the artist.