James and Other Apes is a collection of 50 close-up portraits of gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos. The images are so strong and the featured apes-all named, with personal histories-so human-like that the viewer calls into question the dividing-line between "man" and "animal." Photographed in sanctuaries across Africa and Asia, the apes featured are mainly victims of the trade in bush meat that threatens to cause their extinction. The work of young British image-maker James Mollison, a photographer working for the Benetton artlab "Fabrica" outside Venice, these images are a moving and powerful argument for the protection of the great apes and endorsed by world-renowned scientist and best-selling author Jane Goodall in her powerful introduction to the book.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Born in 1973 in Kenya, James Mollison studied Art and Design at Oxford Brookes University and Documentary Photography at Newport School of Art and Design in the UK. He now lives in Venice, Italy. Part of the radical and influential Italian art and design workshop 'Fabrica', his work has been widely seen in publications
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I had vaguely heard of this book, then surprisingly received it as a gift. It's not what I expected, and is beyond what I could have imagined. Only a few of the protraits could be considered cute or endearing - most are penetrating, a few are frightening. In thumbing through the pages, there's no doubt I'm face to face with other soulful, conscious beings. This book is definitely the safest way to look a great ape in the eyes, and provides a far more intimate opportunity to gaze into and scrutinize the dimentions of a face than we generally have even with other human beings. Without a doubt, the best gift of this book was in watching my reactions rise to each portrait, delving into my own fears and attractions. Each face made me ponder what is human, what is alien, and what is the faint line between? I've been an ape fan for years, I need no convincing of our shared worth. But this is the first time I've recognized how foridable in soul, purpose, and spirit apes actually are. This book is an excellent reality check for anyone who wonders about their place under the sun.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By tola
Format:Hardcover
First of all, this is a wery unique book. There is only minimal amount of text, the main body of the book being designated for presenting photographed facial close-up portraits of great apes, fifty individuals in total. The visual outlook of the book is almost poetic.
But this book is not only a collection of photographs. In the end of the book there are short biographies for each of these individuals, the brief desctiptions giving each face a truley unique personality. And at least for me, the essence of this book is in fact in these - quite often sad - biographies.
Altough many of the photographed apes have had traumatic experiences as a result of human cruelty, in the end the warmth of these magnificent beings shines trough.
Personally I have not considered myself as an ape enthusiast, but after this book I truley am. I recommend it to all who appreciate the variety of life on this planet. This book is a beautiful homage to our close cousins.
But this book is not only a collection of photographs. In the end of the book there are short biographies for each of these individuals, the brief desctiptions giving each face a truley unique personality. And at least for me, the essence of this book is in fact in these - quite often sad - biographies.
Altough many of the photographed apes have had traumatic experiences as a result of human cruelty, in the end the warmth of these magnificent beings shines trough.
Personally I have not considered myself as an ape enthusiast, but after this book I truley am. I recommend it to all who appreciate the variety of life on this planet. This book is a beautiful homage to our close cousins.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Mollison's "James and Other Apes" consists of a series of large prints of close-cropped frontal face shots of a number of chimps, gorillas, orangs, and bonobos (in that order.) The lighting and photographic quality is excellent. The work constitutes a compelling examination of both the individuality each ape possesses and the clear and deep connections we still have with our distant cousins.
Jane Goodall wrote a nice introduction that compliments the books silent call for attention to the plight of these magnificent species and individuals. This is a great coffee table book for anyone interested in photography, portraiture or primates.
Jane Goodall wrote a nice introduction that compliments the books silent call for attention to the plight of these magnificent species and individuals. This is a great coffee table book for anyone interested in photography, portraiture or primates.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friends in Portrait
James and Other Apes
I first saw these images in a newspaper article in Australia with a blurb about each primate and loved it so much, it ended up hung up in our... Read more
I first saw these images in a newspaper article in Australia with a blurb about each primate and loved it so much, it ended up hung up in our... Read more
Published on July 10, 2009 by Fiona Satinover
4.0 out of 5 stars
James & Other Apes
Arrived well packed in mint condition -Initially read the introduction by Jane Goodhall then turned the pages with the eyes captivating as each Ape jumped out from it's own feature... Read more
Published on July 7, 2007 by Reader Rooz
5.0 out of 5 stars
a piece of pur pleasure
I live in Australia and read an article in our saturday paper the Sydney Morning Hearald.
The magazine had one of the images from James Mollison and Other Apes on the... Read more
The magazine had one of the images from James Mollison and Other Apes on the... Read more
Published on October 13, 2005 by Tracey J. Hopkirk
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