Customer Reviews

Richard Avedon Portraits

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2 star:		(1)
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RICHARD AVEDON PORTRAITS is a stunning work, not only because of the usual expected glory of his photographs, but because of the genuinely artistic concept behind this catalogue for a Museum Exhibition. Slipcased, the book opens as an accordian with single and diptych/triptych photographs viewable by placing the unscrolled book on a tabletop or bookshelf. Not that there are any new moments here: this is a collection of some of Avedon's famous faces and bodies, curated for a specific purpose. But to view Andy Warhol together with his co-creators of his photos and films standing on one page clothed and on another nude intensifies the manner in which Avedon's manner of capturing the star's works so well. We are treated to a full face of Francis Bacon and in the next panel a partial view of his entire body. All manner of odd characters inhabit these deliciously synchronous pages. The back side of this tableaux discusses Avedon, his influences and appropriations from painting and other art forms, and does what it sets out to do - make the pieces of the tableaux relevant in the history of the time in which they were photographed. This is a clever and rewarding book and the book itself becomes art.

It is not really a book, but an art object: accordion folded and neatly ensconced in a box, its heavy cardboard structure makes it a durable thing, one that transcends the notion of a mere "book." It is an object of intrinsic beauty and the mere holding of it in one's hands conveys the good taste, fine quality, and the superb craftmanship that were blended to create PORTRAITS.

One side of the fold contains text -with some pictures- and the other the portfolio of portraits. Maria Hambourg and Mia Fineman collaborate in the essay "Avedon's Endgame," which presents, analyzes and brings into focus the extraordinary talent behind the portraits; and Richard Avedon gives us a touching essay called "Borrowed Dogs," in which he addresses some of his unquiet talents. The other side is one's private gallery of 27 pictures (including the covers) to be savored at home, each image a meticulous print. In all it is an extraordinary performance by those involved, and a jewel to possess.

Avedon has pushed the borders of his art far beyond picture taking: a master psychologist, his portraits are potent statements about the soul and the fears and the anger and the dilapidation and the triumph and the humanity of his subjects. His pictures are so intense and revealing that the viewer cannot remain neutral. The diptych of Clarence Lippard, a drifter, makes one see more than we have any right to ask for: because if we must view the horror of a wasted life on one panel we must also accept the defiant triumphalism and humor that the second panel conveys. Waste no pity on Mr. Lippard, he asks no such thing from you.

I shall often return to this jewel for solace; and for a jolt about the meaning of being alive and a human being.

Not only was I excited about the low price offered by amazon.com for this book, I couldn't believe the wealth of information it withheld. The book itself is innovating, working as an accordian-style setup with text on one side and full-size, beautiful portraits on the other. The written portions spoke of Avedon in his early years, what his inspirations were, and how the affected his work later on. As a young photographer, this was valuable information for me.

Avedon speaks closely of his work, and his persistance of breaking through fake smiles and charlatans, seeking out the truth in people, from the famous to the overlooked. My favorite photograph is of a drifter named Clarence Lippard, a man Avedon randomly came across and photographed. This drive, this exploration that possessed Avedon was a beautiful thing, and this showcase of his work greatly portrayes it.

Beautiful book encased in a hardcover slip, it showcases Avedon's style of figure alone against a white background. On the backside is a biography of the photographer, detailing his influences and his explanations of some of his more famous photographs. Every photograph is crisp and unflattering, showing the reality that Avedon loves to capture. I love his explanation of how he photographed Marilyn Monroe, his little insights into people's lives are worth the book itself.

I bought this book for my photography friend for Christmas. She was blown away. From the moment you open the package, it is clear this book is worlds apart from your standard photography book. Every photo is frame-ready. I highly recommend for the picky photography enthusiast.

Portraits is an inspired compilation of some of Avedon's most well known, and some unnerving, photographs. Showcasing his knack for capturing the truth behind a public facade, this book is an intelligent union of literature and exhibition. It is best viewed standing in it's accordion style on a flat surface, ideally one you can walk around. You are greeted with famous faces like Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol, as well as not so famous people made immortal including Avedon's beekeeper and rattlesnake skinner. The minimalist nature of the book augments the style of the work and the effect it has on a viewer.
Accompanying the images on the reverse side of the accordion is an excellent record of his life and work. Most moving to me was the inclusion of Avedon's own writing in which he comments on his own life and reflects on his work, a lifetime of exploration. His story ends with the letter written to his father explaining his vision for his art along with the well known image of an ailing Jacob Avedon. A better companion for an Avedon exhibition could not have been made.

The format allows for a stand-up display down the entire length of a coffee table! Pretty cool if you ask me;
Got this as a christmas gift for my art-school-grad photographer/niece. It caused something of a stir when the holiday guests started to look at everyone elses presents.. Along the lines of "Don't let the kids look at that book" and "Let me see it' and "Ewwww".

As you first pull the book out of the sleeve cover and begin to unfold the pages you get an incredible sense of creativity. Looking at each graphic image that Avedon creates using people and expressions is just amazing. Some images when looked at make one wonder how Avedon was able to capture so much detail and personality. And some images when looked at will make one think how someone, or even why anyone, would take a picture of that. But no matter what the image is one is captured in the graphic realism that Avedon creates with his photographs. It was also interesting to find out Avedon's thought processes and intentions throughout his work. Not only is the content of the book one of a kind but the way the book is designed as well is a piece of art.

This book was an excellent source for finding out about Avedon's work process and his intentions through his work. I highlighted everything that was interesting or that I found to be inspiring, and ended up highlighting almost every line. The book was very enjoyable to read. I recommend it to anyone interested in photography.

Great book, nice size and fun format to look at. Printed very well.
Certainly a piece which will stay in my bookshelf for a while