Maurice Hicks – Ganbatte

Review by Rudy Vega •

Ganbatte, a self-published photobook by Maurice Hicks, stands out as an innovative blend of a photo album, travelogue, and personal art project. Spanning from 2019 to 2022, Hicks’s book captures his travels to Japan through a collection of over 100 images, utilizing a diverse array of formats such as Polaroid SX70, Fujifilm Instamax, 35mm film, and digital captures. The layout of the book, with its 13×8.5-inch pages, showcases Hicks’s creative approach to photo placement, varying the size and arrangement of each image—ranging from full-bleed to occupying just a small portion of the page. This dynamic arrangement keeps the viewer engaged, constantly inviting speculation about what will be revealed next.

Hicks’s work in Ganbatte is characterized by its eclectic mix of portraits, predominantly of the instant film variety, highlighting his keen eye for capturing moments that resonate on an impulsive level. These images are not just snapshots; they are, presented as a record-imprints of memories materialized as photographs. The use of both black and white and color photography seeks to foster a sense of individual connection, making each photograph a personal token of his experiences.

The essence of Ganbatte lies in its departure from conventional photobook structures. Eschewing a clear narrative or documentary timeline, Hicks opts for a stream-of-consciousness arrangement, which lends a unique intimacy to the collection. It is also how the title, Ganbatte, which loosely translated means: Do your best, Keep going,or Go for it, plays out. This approach not only engages the viewer, but also fosters a personal connection with the emotional landscape of Hicks’s experiences. The portraits, in particular, go beyond mere visual documentation, offering a glimpse into the personal interactions and emotional connections made during his travels.

Hicks’s intention with Ganbatte is not to provide an exhaustive overview of Japan, a theme well-trodden by numerous photobooks, but rather to explore the more ephemeral aspects of longing and fulfillment. By employing a non-linear and multi-format layout, he elevates the photo album into a medium of contemplation and discovery. Ganbatte invites the reader to share in the wonder of exploration and the awe of encountering a culture through the fresh eyes of an outsider.

In sum, Ganbatte is a commendable endeavor by Maurice Hicks, successfully transforming everyday snapshots into documents of contemplation. The book invites viewers to partake in a journey of discovery, sharing the beauty of fleeting moments and the personal connections that shape our memories. Hicks’s ability to blend various photographic formats and narratives into a cohesive collection is a testament to his creative vision, making Ganbatte a noteworthy addition to the genre of photographic art books.

____________

Rudy Vega is a Contributing Editor and resides in Irvine, CA. He is a fine art photographer and writer.

____________

Maurice Hicks – Ganbatte

Photographer: Maurice Hicks (born in Long Island, NY; lives in Greensboro, NC)

Publisher: Self-published

Text: Maurice Hicks

Language: English/Japanese

Hardcover, 110 pages, color and black and white

Editor: Maurice Hicks

Book Design/Art Direction: Maurice Hicks, RJ Hooker, Dave Norris

_________

Articles and photographs published in the PhotoBook Journal may not be reproduced without the permission of the PhotoBook Journal staff and the photographer(s). All images, texts, and designs are under copyright by the authors and publishers.