Alex Webb
Books on the horizon
13 August 2016
Those of you that read this blog will know that I am admirer of the work of Alex Webb so it’s good to see a new book from him on the way. La Calle brings together nearly thirty years of photography by Alex Webb, created from 1978 to 2007 in Mexico City and the surrounding states, villages, and cities. Webb frequently credits the landscapes and cityscapes of Mexico for prompting his shift to colour photography. To be published by Aperture around mid September 2016. More info here
Also on the horizon an interesting collection of photographs by the Czech photographer Josef Sudek. If you missed SUDEK -THE LEGACY OF A DEEPER VISION published by Hirmer Verlag, which was one of my books of the year in 2013, then this new publication coming mid September also looks like a lovely production. Josef Sudek (1896–1976) was a Czech photographer, best known for his photographs of Prague. He was a bookbinder before turning to photography after losing his right arm in WWI. This book, published to accompany an exhibition, examines how Sudek’s photographs reflect his relationship to the world around him, from intimate explorations of cherished objects and views through his window to his night walks through the streets of Prague and its periphery, as well as excursions into the surrounding countryside. Published by 5 Continents Editions more information here
The Suffering of Light -Alex Webb
25 March 2013
The suffering of light is a comprehensive monograph on the career of Magnum photographer Alex Webb. It covers a thirty year period 1979 to 2009. Featuring work from previous bodies of work including, Dislocations, Crossings, and Istanbul, It also features work not previously published. The book is arranged chronologically beginning in Graneda in 1979 and finishing in Pennsylvania in 2010.
From a photographic style point of view there is no real change during this period. His visual vocabulary in place from the start, allows him time to absorb, experience and organise the many complex elements within the frame. For Webb's images are visually complex, layered, highly structured, energetic and at the same time cohesive. They are joy to behold! They show a mastery of timing, gesture, light, colour, and composition. He uses the entire area of the frame, all in the classic 35mm landscape format.
As street photography goes, this is as good as it gets. Worthy successor to Henri Cartier-Bresson, he has the same innate sensitivity for geometry and timing, while adding colour to the mix. This indeed is inspirational work and if one has an interest in documentary street photography, you owe it to yourself to buy this book so you can absorb and enjoy it over time, for these images are not to be rushed.
The book is large 31 x 34 cm. Printed on good paper with nice rich colour. Layout design (see photos) is not fussy, presenting the images with a simply elegance.
Book contents can be seen here on Alex Webb website.
Hear Alex Webb talk about his work
Alex Webb: The Suffering of Light from Aperture Foundation on Vimeo.