Jean-Baptiste Mondino’s digitally processed photographs and video clips radically changed the commercial strategies of the rock, pop and fashion industry and made him a guru of the trade. Yet, Mondino originally started as a disc jockey and composer. Music is still his favorite subject and the electric guitar his favorite instrument. No wonder, ever since Picasso and Braque created their first guitar still lifes, this instrument stands for the mesmerizing combination of music, erotics, and modernism. In his new book Mondino presents his guitar photographs created over the past twenty years as commissioned works or his own projects. They portray famous rock and pop musicians such as Mick Jagger, Madonna, Tom Waits, and Keith Richards; models and celebrities with guitars; and numerous anonymous guitar players. Central subject and the undisputed star of each picture, however, is the guitar itself.
Text by Jean-Baptiste Mondino
Book design by Steve Hiett
Jean-Baptiste Mondino, born in Aubervilliers, France, in 1949, started his career as a disc jockey and composer. Today he is one of the most influential advertising photographers and video artists of our time.
Steve Hiett, renown photographer and graphic designer, created the genre-breaking photo book Elgort’s Models Manual (1993) and directed the launch of YSL’s Opium. His work can be found in museums, galleries and private collections worldwide.
120 color and duotone plates
