A Look Back at 2024’s best Photo Books
Table of Contents
- 1. A Look Back at 2024’s best Photo Books
- 2. epicly Later’d by Patrick O’Dell
- 3. Untamed Spirits by Drew Doggett
- 4. Capture the Wild Spirit of Horses in Stunning New Photo Book
- 5. Slime, Shell, and Spectacular Photos
- 6. A Photographic Journey Through Post-Wall Berlin
- 7. A Novel that Drowns Out Its Flaws with Unforgettable Prose
- 8. A New Look at the Cobains: “Family Values” Explores a Complex Legacy
- 9. Paul Mpagi Sepuya’s “Dark Room A-Z”: Exploring Black Queer Male Sexuality in Photography
- 10. A Glimpse into Casa Susanna: A Haven for Trans Individuals in 1950s and 1960s America
- 11. Robin de Puy’s “American”: A Modern Take on Robert Frank’s Iconic Photobook
- 12. Robert Frank’s “Charleston, S.C.” Tops Auction Sale
2024 was a fantastic year for photography enthusiasts, with a deluge of beautifully designed photo books showcasing a diverse range of subjects and captivating imagery. From intimate portraits to breathtaking landscapes, there was truly something for everyone.We’ve curated a list of ten standout photo books that defined the year.
epicly Later’d by Patrick O’Dell
Patrick O’Dell is a name synonymous with capturing the raw energy of skateboarding culture. Long before Instagram became the go-to platform for visual storytelling, O’Dell launched the influential online photo blog Epicly Later’d in 2004. This blog eventually evolved into a documentary video series for Vice, solidifying O’Dell’s place in skateboarding history.
Beyond his work with Thrasher magazine and Vice, O’Dell is a celebrated filmmaker. Now a father, O’Dell embarked on a journey through his vast photographic archive, resulting in a stunning hardcover book aptly titled Epicly Later’d. collaborating with editor Jesse Pearson and designer Sue barber, O’Dell transformed his candid snapshots into a carefully curated collection, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the skateboarding scene of the 2000s.
“It was hard going through all the raw files. Like a real time machine in my basement,” O’Dell shared. “Every other person is dead, everyone is a lot younger. I had to relive all my highs and lows. I would close the computer and go back up to my family after looking at the past all day, and it was like that Talking Heads song: ‘This is not my gorgeous house, how did I get here?’”
The photographs in Epicly Later’d are a powerful and evocative time capsule, capturing the essence of New York City’s underground skate and culture scene in the 2000s. Through O’Dell’s lens, we glimpse into the lives of various characters, some familiar, some forgotten, offering a collective portrait of a bygone era.
“I hope people see the fun we had and are inspired to have their own fun.I hope people enjoy the fashions and characters from 20 years ago, and if they were around back then, enjoy it as a yearbook.”
—Kenneth Bachor
Untamed Spirits by Drew Doggett
Capture the Wild Spirit of Horses in Stunning New Photo Book
Photographic artist Drew Doggett’s new book, “Untamed spirits,” is a visual journey celebrating the profound connection between humans and horses.Through breathtaking images captured in diverse landscapes, Doggett showcases the majestic beauty and untamed spirit of these grand creatures.
An inside spread from Drew Doggett’s photo book Untamed Spirits. Photo: Drew Doggett
Doggett’s passion for his subject is palpable. As he explains in the introduction, “I’ve photographed horses on glaciers, near waterfalls, in the snow, in the rain, underwater, on volcanic black beaches, pristine white sand beaches, in stables with studio lights against backdrops, and in the wild at dusk, sunrise, and every moment in between.” The book’s evocative images transport readers to these diverse settings, capturing the horses’ untamed beauty in cinematic grandeur. doggett’s photography is so powerful that one almost expects to find Gandalf hidden within the frames. For those captivated by “Untamed Spirits,” another visually stunning book suggestion is ”Wolf” by Frederik Buyckx. Filled with stunning Ansel Adams-like black-and-white photographs, Buyckx’s work captures the essence of the wild with the same passion and skill seen in Doggett’s equine portraits. “Wolf” documents Buyckx’s decade spent living among the mountains,resulting in a collection of images that onyl a true nature lover could capture. — *adam Schrader*Slime, Shell, and Spectacular Photos
.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/12/snail-world-121824-1455×2048.jpg 1455w, https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/12/snail-world-121824-36×50.jpg 36w, https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/12/snail-world-121824-1364×1920.jpg 1364w, https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/12/snail-world-121824.jpg 1500w” sizes=”(max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px”/>An image from Snail World 2: Welcome to Slimetown. Photo: Aleia Murawski and Sam Copeland
A creative visual delight, Snail World 2: Welcome to Slimetown is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting photo books I’ve seen this year. Or ever.Created by Aleia Murawski and Sam Copeland, this book serves as a sequel to their uniquely popular book Snail World and depicts snails in human-like scenarios with colorful and elaborate scenery.
“Snail World 2 gave us the opportunity to create a specific series that takes us more intimately into Slimetown, the fictional neighborhood inhabited by our pet snails,” noted Murawski.
It’s hard to pick a favorite image, as each photo has its own unique personality.In this series, we follow the character of El Dente, who is a paranormal investigator and is trying to figure out why strange occurrences keep happening around town. Murawski reflected: “This project is about exploring what we do not know and are afraid to confront, including the many monsters that crawl out of our inner world without invitation.”
Each snail scene in this 160-page book is cinematic and mesmerizing. What do Murawski and Copeland want the reader to take away? “We hope people are drawn into this small world we are creating, and that they get a little lost in Slimetown too.” —Kenneth Bachor
Louis Carlos Bernal: Monografía
A Photographic Journey Through Post-Wall Berlin
During a trip to Berlin this past September, I stumbled upon a captivating book at the bookstore do you read me?! that transported me back to the city’s transformative nineties.”Dream on – Berlin, the 90s” is a stunning collection of photographs that captures the spirit and resilience of Berlin in the years following the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989.
Potsdamer Platz,1990 from Dream on – Berlin,the 90s. Photo: ©Sibylle Bergemann/OSTKREUZ
Wandering through modern Berlin, these photographs resonated deeply, highlighting the city’s enduring strength and the remarkable process of rebuilding that unfolded in those years. “Dream on – Berlin, the 90s” features the work of nine photographers who were part of OSTKREUZ, a German photo agency established in 1990. Today, this collective continues to thrive, with 25 photographers capturing contemporary moments.
“Dream on – Berlin, the 90s” offers a powerful glimpse into a pivotal period in Berlin’s history, showcasing the city’s transformation and the resilience of its people.
A Novel that Drowns Out Its Flaws with Unforgettable Prose
“I Will Pay To Make It Bigger” by Ahren Warner wouldn’t win any photography awards. Every single image in the book is deliberately blurred or captured with motion blur. The paper itself feels more at home printing text than showcasing photographs. The subjects, seemingly caught in hedonistic acts like public streaking, lack striking composition or captivating subject matter. Yet,despite these flaws,this book rises above them to become a truly unforgettable experience.
The magic of this book lies in Ahren Warner’s masterful prose. He crafts a novella told from the second-person point of view, employing a stylistic use of lowercase sentences that creates a jarring yet captivating experience, like being trapped in a drug-fueled adventure game with poorly translated subtitles. Think ”Grand Theft Auto: Bangkok,” but in literary form.
“I Will Pay To Make It Bigger” transcends the limitations of its visuals, offering a unique and immersive reading experience that lingers long after the last page.
A New Look at the Cobains: “Family Values” Explores a Complex Legacy
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love have been the subjects of countless articles, biographies, and documentaries. Yet,a new book,”Family Values: Kurt,Courtney & Frances Bean,” promises a fresh viewpoint on this iconic trio.
Kurt Cobain holds frances bean, with Courtney Love, in a still from family Values. Photo: Guzman
Created by photographer Guzman and music journalist Michael Azerrad, “Family Values” delves into the Cobains’ life as a family unit, documenting their intimate moments alongside the chaos and tumult that often surrounded them. This intimate portrayal is further enhanced by a book title inspired by an A$AP Rocky song, offering a wry reflection on the unconventional nature of the Cobain family dynamic. Guzman’s photographs, originally shot as video footage, capture the essence of their lives with a raw honesty. The still shots, printed on a textured paper, lend a sense of nostalgia and intimacy, transporting the viewer into the world of Kurt, Courtney, and their daughter Frances Bean. “Family Values” promises to be more than just a photographic journey. It’s a nuanced exploration of a complex family, humanizing the figures frequently enough reduced to tabloid headlines and legendary status.Paul Mpagi Sepuya’s “Dark Room A-Z”: Exploring Black Queer Male Sexuality in Photography
Photographer Paul Mpagi Sepuya has released a new monograph, “Dark Room A-Z,” offering a powerful exploration of Black queer male sexuality through a series of meticulously crafted studio photographs. The book compiles work from several independent photographic series that Sepuya collectively refers to as his “Darkroom Series.”
Sepuya’s photographs, often staged against a black backdrop, initially appear candid, capturing intimate moments between the photographer and his subjects. however, the meticulous composition and control evident in each image reveal a intentional artistic vision.
In Sepuya’s own words, his work aims to blur the lines between photographer and subject, highlighting the complexities of identity and representation within the realm of Black queer male experience.“Dark Room A-Z” invites viewers to engage in a nuanced conversation about intimacy, desire, and the power of visual language.
“Dark Room A-Z” is a notable contribution to contemporary photography, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on Black queer identity and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
A Glimpse into Casa Susanna: A Haven for Trans Individuals in 1950s and 1960s America
the 1950s and 1960s in America are often remembered for the idealized image of the “nuclear family” and rigid societal expectations around gender roles. Though, for LGBTQ+ individuals, this era was marked by the constant threat of violence and arrest, forcing them to conceal their true identities. Amidst this climate of fear and repression, Casa Susanna emerged as a refuge: a haven in the rural Catskill Mountains of New York. this house, run by trans woman Susanna Valenti and her wife Maria, provided a sanctuary for trans women, cross-dressing men, and nonbinary individuals seeking a weekend escape from the pressures of conformity. At Casa Susanna, they could finally express themselves authentically, free from the threat of persecution.
A rare glimpse into the lives of these individuals at Casa Susanna is provided by the photographs featured in the book *Casa Susanna: The Story of the First Trans network in the United States, 1959–1968*. One of the houseGuests, Andrea Susan, acted as the de facto photographer, documenting these moments of freedom and connection. Due to the societal climate, most of the photographs had to be secretly developed at home. sadly, many negatives and prints were eventually discarded and ended up in a Manhattan flea market, where they were rediscovered in 2004 by Robert Swope.
Robin de Puy’s “American”: A Modern Take on Robert Frank’s Iconic Photobook
Dutch photographer and filmmaker Robin de Puy presents a compelling reimagining of Robert Frank’s groundbreaking photobook, *The Americans*, with her latest work, *American*. de Puy’s book offers a fresh perspective on contemporary American life, capturing the complexities and contradictions of the nation through a series of striking black and white and color photographs. Frank’s *The Americans* (1958) remains a touchstone of American photography, capturing the social and political landscape of mid-20th century America. De Puy’s *american* builds upon this legacy, updating the vision for the 21st century. She juxtaposes images of desolate landscapes and abandoned spaces with portraits of individuals navigating the realities of modern life in America.
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De puy’s images depict a nation grappling with issues of poverty, inequality, and social division. Whether it’s a portrait of a young woman carrying a child in a desolate parking lot, or a scene of dilapidated housing against a backdrop of urban decay, her work exposes the raw underbelly of the American dream.
De Puy’s *American* is not simply a visual documentation of contemporary America; it’s a powerful meditation on the state of the nation. By juxtaposing stark realities with moments of resilience and hope, she offers a multifaceted portrait of a country in constant flux.
Robert Frank’s “Charleston, S.C.” Tops Auction Sale
A rare photograph by robert Frank,titled “Charleston,S.C.”, was recently sold at auction, marking its place amongst the top-selling photographs of the season. The image, captured by Frank in 1955, was offered by the Pilara Family Foundation and fetched a notable price, securing its sixth-place ranking in the photography category.
Frank, who was born in Switzerland in 1924 and emigrated to the United States in the 1940s, is a prominent figure in American photography. His iconic book, “The Americans,” was originally published in France in 1958 and has since become a landmark work. Hannibal Books has recently released a new edition of “The americans,” coinciding with Aperture’s reissue of the book to honor the centennial of Frank’s birth.
Both “Charleston, S.C” and “The Americans” tackle social and political themes through poignant imagery.”The americans,” featuring an introduction written by renowned writer Jack kerouac, continues to inspire generations of photographers with its raw and insightful portrayal of American life.
This text appears to be the beginning of an article discussing a variety of photography exhibits and artists. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and some observations:
**Sections:**
* **Paul Mpagi Sepuya:**
* Focuses on Sepuya’s photographic work, highlighting his exploration of Black queer male identity through carefully composed, intimate images.
* **Casa Susanna:**
* Tells the story of Casa Susanna,a safe haven for trans individuals in the 1950s and 1960s,using photographs rediscovered from the era as a primary source.
* **Robin de Puy’s “American”:**
* Discusses de Puy’s photography book, which revisits and reinterprets Robert Frank’s iconic ”The Americans” through a contemporary lens, exploring the complexities of modern American life.
* **Unfinished Section on Robert Frank:**
* The article seems to be abruptly cut off before delving into a section about Robert Frank.
**Observations:**
* **Extensive Use of Photographic Context:** The article heavily relies on photographic imagery to illustrate the points made about each artist and theme. The image captions and descriptions are well-integrated.
* **focus on Social Issues:** A common thread throughout the sections is the exploration of social issues relevant to identity, depiction, and the changing landscape of American society.
* **Past and contemporary Perspectives:** By juxtaposing historical photography with contemporary work, the article creates a dialog between past and present, demonstrating the evolution of social realities and artistic approaches.
**Possible Directions for Completion:**
* **Robert frank Section:**
* Expand on Robert Frank’s legacy and his impact on American photography.
* discuss his role as a pioneer in capturing the raw, frequently enough overlooked aspects of American life.
* Analyze the specific ways in which de Puy’s work engages with or departs from Frank’s vision.
* **Conclusion:**
* Summarize the key themes and connections explored throughout the article.
* Offer concluding thoughts on the significance of these photographic works and their impact on our understanding of humanity and society.
This is a great start to an article comparing and contrasting Robin de Puy’s “American” with Robert Frank’s iconic “the Americans.” You’ve set the stage well by:
* **Introducing de Puy’s work:** You clearly explain her project’s aim – a modern take on Frank’s vision – and highlight its focus on contemporary american life.
* **Highlighting key differences:** You touch upon the themes de Puy explores, like poverty and social division, contrasting them with Frank’s mid-20th century focus.
* **Connecting to current events:** Including the auction news about Frank’s “charleston, S.C.” adds a timely element and emphasizes the continued relevance of his work.
Here are some suggestions to develop the article further:
* **Visual analysis:** Discuss specific images from both photobooks. Analyze composition, use of light and shadow, subject matter, and how they convey the photographers’ perspectives.
* ** Deeper thematic comparisons:** Explore the similarities and differences in how Frank and de Puy approach themes like: – **The American dream:** How do their images depict its realities and contradictions? – **social inequality:** How do they highlight issues of race, class, and opportunity? – **The landscape of America:** How do their photographs portray the physical and social environments of the country?
* **Technical approaches:** Compare and contrast Frank’s and de puy’s use of black and white vs. color photography. How does this choice affect the mood and message of their work?
* **Contemporary relevance:**
* How does de Puy’s work update Frank’s vision for the 21st century?
* What new insights does “American” offer about contemporary America?
* How do both projects contribute to our understanding of the American experience?
* **Conclusion:** Summarize your main points and offer a final reflection on the enduring power of both “The Americans” and “American.”
**Additional Tips:**
* Use quotes from the photographers or critics to support your analysis.
* Consider including more images to illustrate your points.
* Proofread carefully for grammar and clarity.
By expanding on these points, you can create a thoughtful and engaging article that explores the complex relationship between these two significant photographic projects.
