Copyright Hiroshi Watanabe 2002, self-published
This is another in my series of reviews of Limited Edition photobooks. This limited edition book and print set was self-published by Hiroshi Watanabe using early Print-on-Demand (POD) services available at that time in Japan. The title of the book coincided with his L.A. photographic exhibition of the same name held in 2002. Many of the images in the book were later submitted to Photolucida’s Critical Mass which Watanabe garnered a book prize and the subsequent publication of Findings by Photolucida.
Book, slipcover and print
Watanabe created two versions of the limited edition book and print set in an edition of 200 each. The POD book publisher in Japan provided a translucent poly slipcase with each book thus enabling Watanabe to create a silver gelatin print in a matching size. He designed his print to fit within a poly sleeve which subsequently fit into the outer translucent slipcover with the accompanying photobook. Fortunately the book was square as are Watanabe’s photographic format and prints.
Book within the translucent slip cover
The interior signature along with the end papers are bound with a sewn binding while the end papers are glued to the interior book boards to hold the covers. It is a minimalistic and clean book design that nicely complements Watanabe’s body of work. Together the book and accompanying print make for a nice presentation.
Previous Watanabe books reviewed on The PhotoBook include: Findings, Ideology in Paradise and Love Point.
Douglas Stockdale for The PhotoBook
PhotoBook Journal 