Customer Reviews

Madagascar (Photo & Sexy Books)

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

 

 

Having travelled in Madagascar, I was very interested to see Barbieri's book, MADAGASCAR, advertised by a bargain books dealer. I've always been fascinated by that faraway red island of Afro-Indonesian culture, lemurs, and chameleons. Since I'd read a number of good books about the place, none of which had extraordinary pictures, I thought this book would be an excellent addition to my small collection. I thought wrong.

While I have to admit that Mr. Barbieri is an excellent photographer, with long experience in the world of fashion, I took strong objection to his way of portraying Madagascar. Some magnificent photographs of the world of nature, some portraits, and a few pictures of unusual objects are interspersed with what can only be described as homo-erotic photographs. I have nothing against that either, a Mapplethorpe is a necessary part of modern culture. What I DO object to is such photographs being in any way called "a picture of Madagascar" with absolutely no personal agenda mentioned. This is totally dishonest. Thus, this is a very dishonest book. Producing self-indulgent romantic fantasies is fine if the audience is aware of what is being done, but to pass off such stuff as being "about" a poor country inhabited by hospitable, cheerful people with intricate customs and traditions, people who are extremely modest in dress and behavior for the most part---this is an exercise in exploitation. At the very least we should have been told how these pictures were made. In colonial times, many writers and artists produced romantic works about far off colonies. These were then used to show how "happy and contented" the people were under colonial rule. In the introduction, reference is made to Paradise ! Give me a break ! What is the agenda here ? If someone says, "Come on, man, it's just a great collection of pictures." then they have failed to grasp the cultural dialogues of the last 40 years, they cannot see how people with technology and media access can so easily exploit those without. I absolutely don't recommend this book.

Barbieri's book is full of stunning photos that obviously exploit the Malagasy. Sadly, he does the Malagasy people no justice whatsoever. This poverty-stricken population isn't always this serious; they are some of the most soulful, hopeful people I have ever met and have gorgeous, smiling eyes and faces. The DIS-service Barbieri does them is because he didn't do his homework. If he had, he would have found out a)they are Malagasy, not Madagascan and b)their beauty is best portrayed in natural settings, not ridiculous, dramatic poses. Remember, however, that this is a "coffee-table" book, not the news; the truth is a very different story. I'm curious as to whether the other reader/reviewer has been to Mad, or are her/his views the result of political correctness? Was s/he serious about the fashion model comment? Manual labor yields physical strength - the Malagasy work hard I saw plenty of 6-pack abs and sculpted physiques there.

I meant to give a rating below 1 Star but since this is the lowest, I hope that potential readers won't throw away their hard earned cash in buying this book. If you still want to buy it, go to your local bookstore as you will have a greater chance of finding a DUSTY copy of this book: ... ... G.P. Barbieri is without contest a good snapshooter if one judges it from the TECHNICAL quality of his work. But where he fails is in his intellectual honesty: How could ... a book [like this be about ]Madagascar if it only contains mediocre nude or semi-nude works done at few huts at the shore of Madagascar? I think and agree with many readers ... that not only exploited and disrespected his subjects by including them in the wrong publication, but he has also made a disservice for all photographers out there who at least have the decency of intellectual honesty and respect to the art. But then, ... what is art and what isn't?

Barbieri's usual subjects are, presumably, fashion models: his lens carrsesses the sensual bodies - often naked - that he has found in Madagascar in a similar way. Lots of men, some women and children lounge about in apparent luxury. Unfortunately in portraying them in this way Barbieri glamourises a way of life which might not be so glamourous for the participants. A shot of a graphite miner coated in dust, for example, makes him look heroic and beautiful. But, in reality, who wants to lead a life coated in dust down a mine? Barbieri needs to get over feminising the Other; it's old hat.

... wrote John Keats, who might have been referring to this book, which is simply overflowing with incredible (human) beauty.

madagascar is a beautiful island and the people are the friendliest i have ever encountered. after spending 4 months living and working among them i found that their devotion to God is second to none and their ability to find joy despite what the world would describe as humble circumstances is unparalleled. this disappointing book doesn't accurately portray madagascar nor the people who live there. personally it offends me and i wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I think I must offer this review to help to balance the negative reviews that are here. This is a work of stunningly beautiful photography. Clearly, Barbieri has gone beyond his usual fashion domain with these photographs. The works have an anthropological sense, but they show the photographers great appreciation for the people of the island of Madagascar. The people come across with immense dignity, even though their poverty is sometimes apparent. What nudity is included seems very natural. This book is a fine work of art.