Text and photos by Hans Hickerson · The 13th edition of the Fiebre Photobook Fest took place in Madrid from September 18 to 20. More than 130 exhibitors from some 20 countries exhibited their books. In addition to the book market there were book signings, presentations, catered lunches, and panel discussions. Photobooks from Mexico were... Continue Reading →
Mike Mandel – Myself: Timed Exposures
Review by Hans Hickerson · OK, another senior photographer has just published a book of their early work. So let’s check it out. Is it like similar books? Is it murky, derivative student work that hasn’t yet found its voice? Would it see the light of day if not for the photographer’s name recognition and... Continue Reading →
Sharon Gabay — Jerusalemites, Jerusalem 2011-2026
Review by Lee Halvorsen • Jerusalem is a city like no other…traditions, faiths, races, separation, strife, love, hate, all living, loving and lasting together for 5,000 years. Gabay describes these city attributes as “layers” where places and people share the same space, sometimes the same frame and in that "captured in the camera" moment lives... Continue Reading →
Hans Hickerson — Far From Finland
Review by Lee Halvorsen • I was gifted this book by the author and PBJ editor, Hans Hickerson who expressly did NOT want a review, only for me to enjoy his journey down this tortured and touching trip down memory lane. The vibrant colors of the small book’s cover capturing a computer screen were familiar and... Continue Reading →
Ali Haydar Yesilyurt — the face of europe and the other
Review by Lee Halvorsen • This fascinating book blends striking photography with human sociology, using the metaphor of a two-way mirror to reflect a Europe beyond postcards—and the people at its margins looking back. It is puzzling, yes, but undeniably compelling. In Yesilyurt’s opening manifesto, he makes clear that his aim is not to present... Continue Reading →
Lorenzo DeStefano — The Magic Hour…La Hora Mágica, A Photographer’s Journeys Through Cuba
Review by Lee Halvorsen • A gripping tale of friendship and a hidden land is preserved in this story with stunning images from Cuba some thirty years ago. DeStefano traveled to Cuba in 1993, 1996 and again in 1998, during Cuba’s “Special Period” where everything for Cuba’s common person was hard to get…food, gasoline, currency,... Continue Reading →
Marens van Leunen — Responds Quickly. Friendly
Review by Lee Halvorsen • This book is a collection of magical, imaginative moments in what must have been a difficult, almost grieving time for the artist and her father. Her father, mostly “invisible” in the book, was leaving his Amsterdam apartment of thirty years because the building had been sold. He was downsizing and... Continue Reading →
Eugene Richards – New World
Review by Hans Hickerson · In art, as elsewhere, less is often more. Pare something down, eliminate unnecessary details and distractions, reduce it to its essence, and you end up with a core that resonates beyond its supposed limits. Eugene Richards’ New World works like that. His 56 black and white photographs depict scenes from... Continue Reading →
João Linneu – JJ VFF VV
Review by Gerhard Clausing • As you start viewing João Linneu’s JJ VFF VV, you quickly get the idea that joy and pain go hand in hand and that a good portion of stamina pays off. The parents waited ten years to get the OK and participation of their son Valentín for this impressive journey... Continue Reading →
Ricky Adam – Back to Back
Review by Hans Hickerson · Here’s a winning formula for doing photography: Carry your camera with you everywhere. Explore the world, what’s out there – people, places, life, reality. Be humble. Be patient. Look at your photographs and learn from them. Don’t let ideas or pre-conceived formulas keep you from recognizing and connecting with your... Continue Reading →