Customer Reviews

The Art of Frederick Sommer: Photography, Drawing, Collage

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you want to understand the influences on a complex artist, this book will do it. I confess Frederick Sommer is my uncle. I had been exposed to him for 60 years and have struggled to understand him and his work, despite numerous interactions with him. Keith Davis's essay showed me what resources influenced Fred and how Fred interpreted those influences. Keith also reminded me of Fred's observation that a person could understand things according to what that person brought to the table. So, I now admire Fred for the depth of his philosophical education, and feel a lot less ignorant personally about his art and philosophy.
This book contains Davis's essay, many images of Fred's diverse approaches to art, and an excellent chronology of a man who, through the support of his wife, was able to live a life dedicated to art.

It took one hundred years, but now we finally have a volume that does justice to the greatness of Mr. Sommer. An understanding of Frederick Sommer is essential to any informed study of the medium of photography. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with such inclinations as well as to those already familiar with the photographer. No more must we comb the racks of used books in search of one of his monographs or museum catalogues (sadly perhaps). This volume encapsulates the life and work of a unique artist, highlighting the depth of his creativity and wide-ranging vision. Bravo!

Frederick Sommer is one of the most fascinating artists of the 20th century, yet had been concealed in relative obscurity until the publishing of this fantastic monograph. We are fortunate to have the ability to purchase such a gorgeously designed, informative, and comprehensive book about Frederick Sommer. In this book you will see photographs that are light years ahead of their time: experimental, edgy, and hauntingly beautiful. There are illustrated avant garde Musical Scores that rival composers like Cage and Zorn. Also, you will bear witness to Sommer's organic, intricate collage work that re-examines physiology and internal organs. Every page is stunning! The quality of the paper is like velvet and the text at the beginning gives a sufficient overview of Sommer's career. If you are a photography enthusiast or a lover of art in all its forms, I invite you to discover a hidden gem in the history of art.