An Aperture Monograph -
Diane Arbus
1972 - Aperture, Millerton - First Edition
A fine first edition, this first issue or printing includes the photograph ‘Two Girls in Identical Raincoats Central Park, N.Y.C, 1969’ which was suppressed in all subsequent printings.
Produced in conjunction with the Arbus retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art organized by John Szarkowski, the year following Arbus' death by suicide. With a frontispiece portrait of Arbus by Stephen Frank.
‘For the concentrated essence of her vision, this monograph – published a year after her death in 1971 – remains indispensable’ – The best photography books and magazines, Geoff Dyer and Simon Bainbridge, The Guardian, October 2018. ***
‘Widely celebrated as a groundbreaking publication that significantly impacted the field of photography. Here’s why this book stands out as a transformative work:
Exploration of Unconventional Subjects: Diane Arbus’s work challenged traditional notions of portraiture by focusing on marginalized and unconventional individuals. Her subjects, ranging from circus performers to people with unique physical characteristics, broke away from conventional beauty standards and mainstream representation, offering a raw and honest view of human diversity.
Innovative Approach to Portraiture: Arbus’s distinctive approach to portraiture, characterized by directness and intensity, set a new benchmark in photography. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with striking clarity and intimacy redefined how personal and intimate stories could be told through images.
Emphasis on Empathy and Humanity: Arbus’s portraits are renowned for their emotional depth and empathetic quality. She had an exceptional talent for connecting with her subjects, which allowed her to portray them with profound humanity and dignity. This empathetic approach encouraged viewers to engage with and reflect on the complexities of the human experience.
Impact on Visual Aesthetics: The book's presentation and the selection of Arbus’s photographs highlighted her unique visual style, including her use of square-format cameras and stark, unflinching compositions. This style influenced many contemporary photographers and contributed to a broader acceptance of diverse aesthetic approaches in the field.
Cultural and Social Reflection: Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph provided a mirror to society, reflecting the often-overlooked aspects of life and challenging societal norms. The book's publication sparked discussions about representation, identity, and the ethics of photographing people from marginalized communities.
Enduring Legacy: The monograph’s impact extends beyond its initial release. Arbus’s work has continued to inspire and influence generations of photographers and artists. Her ability to portray the human condition with such authenticity and depth remains a significant reference point in the study of portrait photography.
Critical Acclaim and Influence: The book has been praised for its thoughtful curation and the powerful impact of Arbus’s work. Its acclaim helped establish Arbus as a major figure in modern photography and brought greater attention to the art form’s potential for exploring and documenting the human experience.
Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph is celebrated for its revolutionary approach to portraiture and its focus on marginalized individuals. Through her empathetic and unflinching portrayal of her subjects, Arbus’s work has had a profound influence on photography, reshaping how we perceive and engage with the world around us.’
– Top 10 Influential Photo Books That Revolutionized Photography – All About Photo.com
***
‘This posthumous collection of Arbus’ work is an enduring exploration of human diversity. Her portraits of unconventional subjects challenge societal norms and expectations. An Aperture Monograph highlights her ability to find beauty and complexity in marginal lives. It introduced Arbus’ genius to a global audience and redefined portrait photography. Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary photographers.’ – The 50 Most Influential Photobooks of All Time – Blind Magazine, January 2025
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Provenance: Gift inscription from ‘Bill - May 1973 – Ann’ to front free endpaper.
References: Roth, Seminal Photographic Books of the Twentieth Century, 214-15.
Quarto (book size 28.7x24cm), pp. [8] 15 [8- plates of photographs] [1]. In publisher’s white/cream boards, spine lettered in black, upper board with photograph of ‘Twins’. Dust jacket priced ‘$15.00’ to upper corner of front flap. Condition: Fine in near fine dust jacket, creases to flaps and several indentations. Ref: 112222 Price: HK$ 9,000
Produced in conjunction with the Arbus retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art organized by John Szarkowski, the year following Arbus' death by suicide. With a frontispiece portrait of Arbus by Stephen Frank.
‘For the concentrated essence of her vision, this monograph – published a year after her death in 1971 – remains indispensable’ – The best photography books and magazines, Geoff Dyer and Simon Bainbridge, The Guardian, October 2018. ***
‘Widely celebrated as a groundbreaking publication that significantly impacted the field of photography. Here’s why this book stands out as a transformative work:
Exploration of Unconventional Subjects: Diane Arbus’s work challenged traditional notions of portraiture by focusing on marginalized and unconventional individuals. Her subjects, ranging from circus performers to people with unique physical characteristics, broke away from conventional beauty standards and mainstream representation, offering a raw and honest view of human diversity.
Innovative Approach to Portraiture: Arbus’s distinctive approach to portraiture, characterized by directness and intensity, set a new benchmark in photography. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with striking clarity and intimacy redefined how personal and intimate stories could be told through images.
Emphasis on Empathy and Humanity: Arbus’s portraits are renowned for their emotional depth and empathetic quality. She had an exceptional talent for connecting with her subjects, which allowed her to portray them with profound humanity and dignity. This empathetic approach encouraged viewers to engage with and reflect on the complexities of the human experience.
Impact on Visual Aesthetics: The book's presentation and the selection of Arbus’s photographs highlighted her unique visual style, including her use of square-format cameras and stark, unflinching compositions. This style influenced many contemporary photographers and contributed to a broader acceptance of diverse aesthetic approaches in the field.
Cultural and Social Reflection: Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph provided a mirror to society, reflecting the often-overlooked aspects of life and challenging societal norms. The book's publication sparked discussions about representation, identity, and the ethics of photographing people from marginalized communities.
Enduring Legacy: The monograph’s impact extends beyond its initial release. Arbus’s work has continued to inspire and influence generations of photographers and artists. Her ability to portray the human condition with such authenticity and depth remains a significant reference point in the study of portrait photography.
Critical Acclaim and Influence: The book has been praised for its thoughtful curation and the powerful impact of Arbus’s work. Its acclaim helped establish Arbus as a major figure in modern photography and brought greater attention to the art form’s potential for exploring and documenting the human experience.
Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph is celebrated for its revolutionary approach to portraiture and its focus on marginalized individuals. Through her empathetic and unflinching portrayal of her subjects, Arbus’s work has had a profound influence on photography, reshaping how we perceive and engage with the world around us.’
– Top 10 Influential Photo Books That Revolutionized Photography – All About Photo.com
***
‘This posthumous collection of Arbus’ work is an enduring exploration of human diversity. Her portraits of unconventional subjects challenge societal norms and expectations. An Aperture Monograph highlights her ability to find beauty and complexity in marginal lives. It introduced Arbus’ genius to a global audience and redefined portrait photography. Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary photographers.’ – The 50 Most Influential Photobooks of All Time – Blind Magazine, January 2025
+++
Provenance: Gift inscription from ‘Bill - May 1973 – Ann’ to front free endpaper.
References: Roth, Seminal Photographic Books of the Twentieth Century, 214-15.
Quarto (book size 28.7x24cm), pp. [8] 15 [8- plates of photographs] [1]. In publisher’s white/cream boards, spine lettered in black, upper board with photograph of ‘Twins’. Dust jacket priced ‘$15.00’ to upper corner of front flap. Condition: Fine in near fine dust jacket, creases to flaps and several indentations. Ref: 112222 Price: HK$ 9,000