While personal projects take precedence, R. J. Kern welcomes commissions and collaborations. For booking and details, contact the artist directly at rj@rjkern.com.
Behind-the-scenes working as the 2019 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Artist, the first photographer chosen for the accolade.
Commissioned / Licensed work:
Sarah Leen (Director of Photography, National Geographic) in the layout room in Washington, DC for the November 2017 issue featuring my photographic projects The Unchosen Ones and Out to Pasture.
National Geographic magazine, behind the scenes for the November 2017 issue.
FEATURED PRESS
“Pictures Show Minnesota County Fair Sheep and Goats That Did Not Win,” National Geographic, 2017
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/minnesota-county-fairs-unchosen-animals-rj-kern
“PDN’s 30 2018: New and Emerging Photographers to Watch," by David Walker, PDN, April 2018. Page 43.
The Royal Photographic Society Journal, October 2017, page 808.
"Photography Annual 59," Communication Arts, published work, Award of Excellence. July/August 2018. Page 100-101.
BBC, “The 2017 Royal Photographic Society competition,” October 4, 2017.
2019 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Artwork
Minnesota State Fair Supreme Champion Pairings from 2018, by R. J. Kern, archival pigment print, 2019
About the Artwork
When the Minnesota State Fair contacted me about creating the commemorative art, I thought about the unique experience of how animals are chosen as “Supreme Champions” – the best of the best – and how this tradition honors the past and inspires the present. As the first photographer commissioned by the Minnesota State Fair, I wanted to create a portrait that pays homage to this legacy, highlights the spirit of competition, and documents champion livestock at a decisive moment in time and place at one of the most competitive and popular animal contests in the world.
For this photograph, Minnesota State Fair Supreme Champion Pairings from 2018, I created portraits of the top male and female open-class exhibition winners in the goat, swine, poultry, sheep, llama, rabbit, beef cattle, draft horse and stock dog categories. Moments after being awarded the title “Supreme Champion” in 2018, the animals were escorted to my photography studio on the fairgrounds (with safety a top priority, of course). After the 12 days of fun, I composited the portraits together to create the final print. Hidden in the artwork is a little surprise inspired by my children, ages 2 and 3, who love to “horse around.”
Drawing inspiration from the earliest animal contests that coincided with the first major exhibition of photography, at the 1851 World’s Fair in London, this photograph celebrates the hard work, pride and passion of animal competitors at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
R. J. Kern
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 6, 2019
Detail #1. Supreme Champion Geese and Herding Dogs
Detail #2. Supreme Champion Bull, “Making Bank”
Check out this behind-the-scenes time-lapse in creating the 2019 Commemorative Art:
How to order
All images are available as archival limited editions. Each print is mounted on Dibond featuring signature label on verso and includes a certificate of authenticity. Printed under the direct supervision of the artist on Hahnemühle Photo Rag (308 gsm) paper with a matte finish. The archival inkjet prints ship mounted on Dibond, a rigid aluminum composite sheet that meets archival standards.
50% Retainer required to reserve print. Delivery date Nov 1, 2019 or sooner.
Minnesota State Fair Supreme Champion Pairings from 2018 by R. J. Kern, archival pigment print, 2019
LARGE
Edition of 3 + 1 AP
Image size: 36 x 86 inches
Sheet size: 40 x 90 inches
Print 1 priced at $6000 - SOLD
Print 2 priced at $7500
Print 3 priced at $10,000
AP priced upon request
50% non-refundable retainer for Large Size - Print Ed of 3 from the 2019 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Artwork created by R. J. Kern.
MEDIUM
Edition of 7 + 1 AP
Image size: 24 x 56 inches
Sheet size: 28 x 60 inches
Print 1 - Commemorative Artwork - SOLD
Print 2 priced at $4000 - SOLD
Print 3 priced at $4500 - SOLD
Print 4 priced at $5000 - SOLD
Print 6 priced at $5500
Print 7 priced at $6000
AP priced upon request
50% non-refundable retainer for Medium Size - Print Ed of 7 from the 2019 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Artwork created by R. J. Kern.
Commemorative poster and Minnesota State Fair Foundation prints
The commemorative poster and a limited number of signed prints and other merchandise featuring the art are available for purchase at https://www.mnstatefair.org/commemorative-art/, and will also be available during the fair at State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book and State Fair Poster Carts on the fairgrounds. Proceeds will support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, fairgrounds and educational programs.