American Photography 14.

Gebraucht, aber gut erhalten. - juriertes Photobuch - american photography 14 presents over 200 images by established and emerging photographers selected by an outstanding jury from more than 3000 entries. This collection, gathered from books, magazines, promotional publications and personal portfolios, offers an informed view of photography today, with images that resonate through their clearly individual point of view. This was a great year for photo essays by acclaimed documentarians. Among them, Antonin Kratochvil's series on land-mine casualties in Angola issues a searing indictment of tribal hatred and its human cost. At the opposite side of the spectrum, Lucian Perkins' view of life in rural Russia reveals a sublime connection between the people and their land. Closer to home, Diana Walker's take on the First Family captures an intimate view of the Clintons rarely seen in the press. While worlds apart, these images share in common the authority of an insider's experience-and the unmistakable stamp of their makers. Cross-fertilization among news, editorial and gallery photography continues to blur old boundaries between the document and the artistic device. Seen apart from their original contexts here, disquieting images by Alastair Thain, Cristina Salvador, Moscoop, Andres Serrano and Jon Gipe take on different meanings, prompting viewers to look well beyond the surface. And the public's fascination with underworld themes is met with celebrity and fashion images by Moshe Brakha, Exum and Dah Len that cut a gritty, novelistic edge. A mini survey of portraiture also enlivens American Photography 14 with artistry and insight. Included are: Chuck Close's 20 x 24 Polaroids of film actors; Mark Savage's evocation of a poet's isolation; selections from Sean Kernan's Mexican series; and John Goodman's sensitive portrayal of a friend. A fascinating bookend to these pictures is a group of police mug shots made around the turn of the century by Ciara Smith, which were rediscovered and brought to light by New York photographer Arne Svensen. Throughout these pages, the still image claims its unmatched power to communicate ideas and emotions, to beguile, persuade, provoke, and charm. ISBN 1886212090