Customer Reviews

Jitka Hanzlova: Forest

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FOREST is a book of color photographs. Though not all, many are taken in low light; because of this we see colors not ordinarily seen, we see colorlessness in instances where light will not emit color. Jitka Hanzlova photographs seasons, water, insects, trees, flowers, a smattering of the basics we could expect. Light, is well used to shape these images. It defines the compositions, it is often sparse, comes from behind, glows, reflects, creates linear compositions of branches, mutates color, and creates mood. Color is subtle, sometimes intense; it is in the grasses, weeds, sunlight and dark snows. She sees very well in color; it's truly a photographic book.

What to say about the photographs? They are simple and experiential. They lack the sophistication we have come to expect of traditional landscape photography. And, they are all the better for that lack. The pictures are not artistically contrived nor edited to express a philosophical, environmental, or personal agenda. They are simply seen, simply shared by one very familiar here. They are very still images by a lone photographer. The book is not polished up nor finished off, it is open ended and continuing.

Personally I found the introduction to be at cross-purposes with the images. The questions, the multiple enigmas expressed, seemed too very heavily philosophical an introduction to the sophisticated simplicity of the images. As I was not familiar with this photographer I would have liked more information on her photographic process and materials though that is not necessary for the enjoyment of this book.

I've been back for a "look" many times. I found it a pleasure, delightful, and fresh.

Nancy Gutrich