Photography
In photos: The colourful, foreboding techno-optimism of the ’90s
A Visual History — Henry Carroll’s new book traces the roots of unfettered, present-day neoliberalism through images from the 20th century’s final decade, raising questions about how we arrived at where we are today.
Written by: Miss Rosen
25 years ago, Reflections in Black changed photography
A History of Black Photographers — Deborah Willis’s photobook anthologised pictures made by James Van Der Zee, Anthony Barboza and other groundbreaking Black photographers from when the medium was invented. A new edition updates it with 21st century contributions.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Despite volatility, Syrian artists are painting brighter futures through the haze
After the fall — Just over a full year since the collapse of Assad’s dictatorship, the country’s political and social outlook remains fragile. But a new outlook means a blank slate, and a grassroots arts scene is blossoming. Jessie Williams meets the photographers, painters and sculptors forging a new path.
Written by: Jessie Williams
Seeing double at the Ohio Twins Days Festival
Unity in diversity — Each August, thousands of twins and multiples descend upon the city of Twinsburg to celebrate their siblings and the wider twin community. Harmony Ferreira was one of the few singletons at the weekender, capturing its quirky, but meaningful energy.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Coreen Simpson’s sweeping, half-century archive of Black America
A Monograph — A go-to photographer for several outlets, she captured stars such Grace Jones and Jean-Michel Basquiat, but also church ladies, club partygoers and b-boys. Her debut photobook provides a wide-ranging survey of her work.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Seydou Keïta’s illuminating portraits of life in Mali
A Tactile Lens — In the 20th century, the photographer built a huge archive of tens of thousands of pictures, documenting people and lives in the newly independent country. A new exhibition and catalogue dives into his work.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Brick rattling memories of San Francisco’s skateboarding golden age
EPICENTER — In the early ’90s, the city’s scene revolved around the Embarcadero Plaza, or EMB as it was lovingly known. Now, with the area facing redevelopment, a new book by Jacob Rosenberg immortalises its heyday.
Written by: Isaac Muk
“Blokes, birds & Bonnevilles”: Inside the ’80s revival of bikers & rockers
Rockers Reunion Club — Decades after their mid-century heyday, leather clad, guitar loving motorbike riders saw a renaissance in London. Photographer Phil Polglaze’s new photobook revisits its blaring, revving parties and rides.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Richard Avedon’s complex portrait of ageing in a disposable society
Immortal — Bringing together the legendary fashion photographer’s shots of artists, directors, musicians and more, a new photobook explores the work in his archive that interrogate, critique, and celebrate the passage of time and its effect on people.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: ’00s Brooklyn on the cusp of gentrification
I Give You Power — Rulx Thork began photographing in his local borough in 2005, after a stint living and hanging out in the East and West Villages. His new photobook revisits his archive, and preserves a slice of New York City life and history.
Written by: Miss Rosen
