Customer Reviews

PHOTOGRAPHS

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

 

 

Mona Kuhn's photographs are beautiful. That is to say, she takes beautiful photographs, but she also photographs a beautiful world. Her subjects are content and sun-kissed, and the glimpses we get of the landscape surrounding them is one we all wish we could visit-- one full of chaises lounges, sand, and saturated colors. But these photographs are not simply pretty, for they reveal an intelligence and depth in both photographer and subjects. These are photographs that make one think, and I happen to think those the best kind.

Mona Kuhn is a photographer of the private world. She has a fine sense of composition and an even keener sense of her relationship to her subjects, whether drawing attention to a body part, a hand, a gaze, or a glimpse of atmosphere or setting. There is nothing about her work that appears planned, though there is not a sense that these beautiful photographs are gleaned from a snapshot mentality. They are the products of a thoughtful sensitive mind and eye - and persona.

Kuhn understands her subjects not only from the anatomical and artful form of the body but also from the wispy spirit that speaks privacy. These subjects are engaged even though they may appear nonchalant. Kuhn's images have a soft focus, and an even softer and shorter field of depth, factors that produce a sense of respect, almost an homage to the subjects. While she favors the nude model, she avoids overtones of suggestion, and because of this approach, her subjects become even more intensely sensual: the sensuality comes from within as though the innocence of Eden is still tangent.

This book is a fine representation of her work and leaves us asking for more. If these images are wholly representative of how this fine artist sees the world, there should be many more monographs coming soon. Grady Harp, May 05

The strongest photographs in the book are of hands. Hands that have shown hard labor, in sharp focus. Hands that are delicately draped, in sharp focus. There are some exceptional photographs, showing tremendous control of depth of field (i.e. pages 51, 79, 85). The overlying theme is strength of character in the persons depicted and that is well executed. Those who are used to seeing a greater depth of field in photographs will not be pleased. For the most part, only portions of the shot is in focus, and sometimes very little (pages 77, 90) or not at all (page 95) for an unearthly feeling. For a study of how one can manipulate depth of field to provide strength of image, this book is very valuable. The individuals shown have strength of character and this comes through well, but I wanted more. I really wanted to give this more than three stars, but feel I cannot.

Okay, I am bias in regards to the style of Ms. Kuhn's work. Somehow, I have always been gravitated toward shallow depth of field images and her work is "Wow!" The posing, expression and settting are all pleasing, effortless. Very inspiring.