Customer Reviews

Michael Kenna: A Twenty-Year Retrospective

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As an artist, Michael Kenna never fails to deliver excellence. Thankfully the printing in this book comes as close as it is possible in offset lithographic reproduction to remind us what his original art looks like. His work is a challenge to print, especially this well. Somebody cared a lot about this large, beautiful book from the beginning to end of the processes that created it. This is also the first book I had seen of Mr. Kenna's rich, long tonal range, emotive photographs. I was visiting a friend who opened it up during another conversation. I could not wait to have in in my hands and carefully appreciate what I could see and sense. I was delighted to be able to take an even closer look when I had a copy of my own. It completely captivates me and I did not want to stop looking. Each place is transformed by his personal moods and meanings. Each place can represent a kind of state of mind that is simultaneously stimulated by your personal aesthetic response. These are solitary places. many of which are almost mystical in their peaceful, contemplative invocations. I also felt part of every distinct place, page by page, instead of just being an observer or simply staring in appreciation of his fine craft. Kenna is the level of photographer that many others try to emulate or, failing that, take a far easier route, attempting to copy. Either way, they are compliments.

You will find several other books about Michael Kenna and his work but this book's illustrations are hard to beat taken as a collection. One could complain that any retrospective collection will suffer from its inability to form a coherent whole. However, that would be unfair to you, the reader, for each plate is ultimately experienced and explored one by one. The collective contributions can be left open to further debate by specialists. I am still content to leave my time and place to visit those minimalist creations he has made into photographs. Each visit is fresh despite my familairity.

I also recommend it very highly to those building a library collection of the best books available about photographers.

This book is a wonderful introduction and overview of the career of Micheal Kenna. Kenna's long-lived exposures and unusual eye for his subject material are unmistakably unique It is no wonder he is considered one of the world's most collectible photographers and apppeals to collectors just beginning to develop an interest in photography.

This is a beautiful book which was shipped promptly and arrived in great shape. Michael's photos continue to glow with a quiet strength.

This is a book that every photographer should own and consult. It is printed with paper and exceptional quality. The black and white prints are amazing. The images are both peace and hard to beat stress. Highly recommended.

If you're looking into getting to know one of the most influential photographers of the last 30 years, this book is a perfect place to start. It offers a great variety of Michael's work, reproduced at life-size - in sizes that Kenna prints all of his work.

The quality of printing is outstanding - I was very impressed.