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April 17, 2015
Series | Experiencing Reading ~THE READING EXPERIENCE~ | Part 7: “The First Step”
Series | THE READING EXPERIENCE
This Month's Three Books | Nov. 2013
Part 7: "Baby Step"
The books that shape our lives can appear in an instant. We introduce three photography and art books selected by Atsushi Hamanaka of twelvebooks, a book hunter who travels the world in search of these special volumes. Beautiful to behold, to touch, to display. Welcome to the world of immersive reading.
Recently, there's been a growing interest in "first books" – an artist's debut publication. While this often refers to a self-published work, it more commonly signifies an artist's first book released by a publisher. Books that have garnered acclaim, such as nominations for awards from publishers or photography foundations, can sell out immediately upon release. Is the quality of debut works improving, or is the hunt for tomorrow's stars intensifying? The three artists featured here are all emerging talents with immense future potential. Why not get ahead of the curve and discover them now?
Selected by HAMANAKA Atsushi (twelvebooks)Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)
The Winner of This Year's Paris Photo
Held every November in Paris, the world's largest photography fair, "Paris Photo," introduced the "First Photobook Award," a juried prize, last year. This award is jointly organized by the New York-based Aperture Foundation and Paris Photo. The 20 finalists for this year's award are already in short supply. The winner of this prestigious award, which has the photography world's keen attention, is Spanish photographer Óscar Monzón's "KARMA."
The photographs gleam under the harsh flash. The faces of those captured show no smiles. Some glare at the camera, raising their hands in a clear rejection of being photographed. Monzón is a skilled paparazzi, but his aim isn't a scoop. He explores the car, a private space within public view. Regardless of the changing scenery outside, a serene atmosphere prevails within the car. By intruding into this "sacred" space, Monzón attempts to illuminate the relationship between driver and vehicle. A dangerous allure emanates from these scenes, far from tranquility.
"KARMA"
Artist | Óscar Monzón
Publisher | RVB Books / Dalpine (www.rvb-books.com)
Size | 210 × 300 mm / Softcover
Pages | 128
Price | 95 Euros
Published | 2013
Expected arrival: 2014. Inquiries to twelvebooks.
A Cutting-Edge Publisher Discovers an "Alien"?
MACK, known for its discerning eye in discovering emerging artists and photobooks that gain global attention, presents Paul Salveson's "Between the Shell," selected for this year's "First Photobook Award."
Salveson assembles everyday objects like puzzle pieces. Familiar carpets, hangers, and mops become part of colorful, catchy compositions that delight the eye. The presentation takes place within the "habitat" of these household items – the home. Salveson describes his creative process: "It feels like I'm secretly performing when no one is home, after everyone has gone to sleep. Household items have their uses and roles, but I try to break free from those constraints when assembling my works. I want to maintain an alien-like perspective, always coming up with the unexpected."
"Between the Shell"
Artist | Paul Salveson
Publisher | MACK (www.mackbooks.co.uk)
Size | 190 × 260 mm / Board book
Pages | 76
Price | 47.5 Euros
Published | 2013
Expected arrival: 2014. Inquiries to twelvebooks.
Africa Found in London
One of the 20 finalists for the "First Photobook Award" mentioned earlier is "Dalston Anatomy" by Italian photographer Lorenzo Vitturi.
Vitturi moves fluidly between the three-dimensional and the two-dimensional. His subject for this project is Ridley Road Market in London. This market, famous as a gathering place for African immigrants, inspired Vitturi to photograph striking individuals and objects, which he then used as inspiration for his three-dimensional works. The layered, vivid photographs and sculptures, combined with Sam Burks' poetry, convey the atmosphere of Ridley Road Market from multiple perspectives.
"Dalston Anatomy"
Artist | Lorenzo Vitturi
Publisher | Jibijana Books / SPBH (www.selfpublishbehappy.com)
Size | 190 × 260 mm / Hardcover with Visconti cover
Pages | 168
Price | 40 Pounds
Published | 2013
Expected arrival: 2014. Inquiries to twelvebooks.
Atsushi Hamanaka
Representative of twelvebooks. In March 2010, he established "twelvebooks" as a platform to promote the activities of publishers and artists with unique styles, focusing on contemporary photography. In addition to handling domestic distribution of imported books and magazines, he engages in activities related to books and images, including planning, selecting, and directing exhibitions. www.twelve-books.com
Photo by Daisuke Hamada