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| Lucien
Clergue: Poésie Photographique |
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By
Eva-Monika Turck | Published by Prestel, 2003
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The
legend that is Lucien Clergue is a compelling and very
complex one. He was one of the first true artists of the
photographic medium, rising to worldwide prominence in
the 1950's, and whose ambassadorship of the art form has
influenced countless fans, students, and protégé's the
world over. Chronicling such an achievement is quite the
challenge, but one that Eva-Monika Turck has done quite
well in creating this beautiful retrospective.
It was in 1956 that Clergue first created his famous
work, Nudes of the Sea, and for many, this is the
style that he will long be remembered for. Never before
had we seen such a novel interpretation of the nude. His
interplay of flesh and light and water with an
undeniable sense of eroticism was revolutionary. That
body of work is covered here in Poésie Photographique,
but so is Clergue's numerous other studies: celebrity
portraits, bullfights, still-lifes, studies in death,
gypsies, nudes, and perhaps the most profound and
compelling images of Pablo Picasso, who was a lifelong
friend, mentor, and spiritual father to Clergue, that
the world has ever seen. There are almost 150
photographs in this large (12 x 9.5") and finely
crafted publication, and are well worth the price all
unto themselves. But the accompanying text, available in
English, German, and French, is what really makes this
book special. As an editor Turck has gone beyond the
role of biographical reporter and has written an
insightful, intellectual, and thoroughly entertaining expedition
into the life and times and mind of this most
fascinating artist. Her writing goes into great depth
and is one of the best studies of a photographer
composed in recent memory. This is a must read for
anyone interested in the artistic process as well as the
intriguing art scene that enveloped the world right
after WWII and in which Clergue was positioned
front-n-center. With the inclusion of Clergue's
breathtaking photography, this book is a cinematic
journey that we never wanted to end.
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images are copyrighted © property of noted artist and may not be copied
or used without written consent. |
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