Book Review – Unveiling the Enigmatic: Torbjørn Rødland’s ‘The Pregnant Virgin’ In the realm of contemporary photography, Torbjørn Rødland emerges as a luminary whose work defies conventional boundaries, inviting viewers on a journey of introspection and wonder. Renowned for his distinctive approach to image-making, Rødland’s photographs resonate with layers of symbolism, emotion, and thought-provoking narratives. With a portfolio that spans diverse genres, Rødland’s exploration of the human experience captivates and challenges in equal measure. All images – Courtesy of the artist and MACK. Born in Stavanger, Norway in 1970, Rødland’s journey into the world of photography began at an early age. His formative years were marked by a fascination with…

Introduction: Jamie Hawkesworth’s remarkable book, “British Isles,” is an exquisite exploration of the diverse tapestry that forms the very essence of the United Kingdom. Through his keen eye and empathetic lens, Hawkesworth presents an intimate portrait of the British people, their landscapes, and the everyday moments that define their lives. This captivating collection of photographs showcases the soul of Britain in all its raw and unfiltered glory. From the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, “British Isles” is a visual love letter to the essence of this remarkable nation. All images – Courtesy of the artist and MACK. A Celebration of Diversity: Throughout “British…

Introduction: Justine Kurland’s “Scum Manifesto” emerges as a daring and uncompromising initiative, inspired by Valerie Solanas’ groundbreaking feminist tract, the SCUM (Society for Cutting Up Men) Manifesto. In her transformative volume, “SCUMB Manifesto,” Kurland embarks on a powerful journey of reclaiming history, dismantling the patriarchy, and subverting the male-dominated photographic canon. Through the medium of collage, Kurland disrupts the conventional narratives, questioning the imposition of straight white male perspectives in art and challenging the very essence of visual and social representation. This feminist review delves into the intricacies of Kurland’s work, exploring the potency of collage as a feminist strategy and the defiant female visions woven into her artistic creations.…

Introduction: “A Pound of Pictures” presents a captivating journey through the lens of acclaimed photographer Alec Soth, showcasing an entirely new collection of work produced between 2018 and 2021. This stream-of-consciousness celebration of the photographic medium takes readers on a winding road trip of imagery, capturing a diverse array of subjects that range from the enigmatic allure of Buddhist statues and birdwatchers to the carefree spirit of sun-seekers and the stoic presence of busts portraying Abraham Lincoln. Through this book, Soth reflects on the profound desire to capture and immortalize experiences through printed images, exploring the intersection between representation and recollection. Seamlessly intertwining his photographs with personal notes and reflections…

Stephen Shore’s latest body of work, Topographies: Aerial Surveys of the American Landscape, takes us on a mesmerizing visual journey through the diverse landscapes of Montana, North Carolina, New York, and beyond. Through a series of aerial photographs captured by drones from 2020 onwards, Shore presents an arresting portrayal of the delicate interplay between nature and human intervention in the American scenery. All images – Courtesy of the artist and MACK. Revisiting the original ambitions of the iconic 1975 exhibition ‘New Topographics,’ Shore employs a fresh aerial viewpoint to reexamine the movement’s core concerns: the objective depiction of the commonplace and the dynamic relationship between natural and man-made elements in…