The Contemporary Photobook Magazine
Review by Gerhard Clausing • Sometimes it is refreshing to see a top photographer's first photographic project that has not previously been published. Recently I reviewed Roger Ballen’s reissue of his first documentary project, boyhood, and noted that it showed many instances of the promise that was later expanded and realized in many different ways.... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • Portland, Oregon, is one of my favorite cities and has remained so, even as it is in transition, as many other cities are as well. My recollections are that it has the largest bookstore in the world, and that it is full of interesting people, many of whom have a... Continue Reading →
Review by Steve Harp • Walker’s Vein by David Bernstein is a mystery masquerading as a travel guide. My immediate reaction in encountering the book object was to note its somewhat unusual dimensions – 8” x 13”, a tall, thin volume. These are proportions I usually associate with guidebooks; not a totally idiosyncratic connection, as the book presents itself... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • In his very perceptive essay for this photobook, Harry Gallon provides a very important insight: “Place exists as the altar of our everyday existence.” He goes on to discuss the multiple layers of history that weigh heavily on all the locations that were photographed by Ian Howorth for this astonishing... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • To interpret the trivialities of everyday life is not an easy task, but it is an interesting challenge. In contemplating such subjects, personal recollections that are stored in each person’s memory will be applied to what is seen, and some cultural understanding may also come in handy. Thus the work... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • The trafficking of humans for nefarious purposes has gone on for centuries and is still practiced today. Poverty and/or the promise of some economic gain are usually the motivating factor on the part of the perpetrators. Often relatives or close 'friends' commit these betrayals that assault human dignity. Whether it... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • Cosplay is a fun activity. You take your innermost thoughts out to be seen in public, as you embody, through your costume and makeup, a fictional character you admire, showing yourself as your personal hero or heroine to everyone out there. These personalized and externalized emotions can be seen at... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • I know from my experience with students acting out various drama roles on the stage, in a foreign language even, that the most effective performances take place when the role is totally internalized and performed not just from the mind but also from the heart. It is at that moment... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • I really love portraits that are mysterious and different. Fryd Frydendahl has definitely succeeded in consistently producing such unorthodox portraits over a ten-year period that fit the bill, and then some. This photobook gives us insights into her method. If you look at the front cover above, you find one... Continue Reading →
Review by Gerhard Clausing • Bamberg is a Franconian town in Bavaria with a substantial history going back at least 1,000 years. I was able to visit Bamberg this past summer; the juxtaposition of ancient traditions and contemporary approaches are a delight to experience. Part of that culture is a distinguished Symphony Orchestra that is... Continue Reading →
PhotoBook Journal 