Calcutta Bombay

Eight Days By Taxi

By Andreas Herzau

 

 

Written by Joelcy Kay

Editor & Curator – Edge of Humanity Magazine

Curator – NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

 

Impressive work created in a short amount of time.  Andreas’ Calcutta Bombay Eight Days By Taxi depicts daily life in two megalopolises. The high impact black and white images are dramatic.  Extreme close up, silhouettes and frames accentuate the mood.

These street images are documentary photographs, displaying India’s daily life. In India a large amount of ‘personal’ daily activities happens outside in the open for everyone to see.

The partial body parts close ups (some of them blurred) dominate the images in this book; they are also my favorite depictions. Street art and street posters which quickly create another narrative in the frames are widely depicted.

The street photography found in Calcutta Bombay Eight Days By Taxi is diverse and a must for any individual interested in street photography, India, black and white photography and a must for the photography book collector.

 

For book specifics see amazon.com below

Calcutta-Bombay: Eight Days by Taxi by Andreas Herzau (2005-01-08)

 

Are you looking to have a published review of your Photo Book?

  Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books. Joelcy Kay (the curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine and the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews for books in the Edge of Humanity Magazine’s Photography Book Collection and now she is available to write yours.  

Here are some of her book recommendations:

 

Curse Of The Black Gold

50 Years Of Oil In The Niger Delta

Photographs By Ed Kashi

Edited By Michael Watts

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Living Faith

Inside the Muslim World of Southeast Asia

By Steve Raymer

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Under A Grudging Sun

By Alex Webb

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Ethiopia

Peoples Of The Omo Valley

By Hans Silvester

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Quarries

By Edward Burtynsky

Photography Book Recommendation By Edge

of Humanity Magazine

 

Figments From The Real World

By Garry Winogrand

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

You can choose to have your (Photography Book Recommendation By Edge Of Humanity Magazine) published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine or at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog.  For more information on this new service please email Joelcy at  jo@edgeofhumanity.com .

 

The  NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an

 Edge of Humanity Magazine project.

ABOUT

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY.  The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.

Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.

OUR CONCEPT

Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator

Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life.  Most of it was acquired during my travels.  Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity.  But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell.  It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale.  The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow.  And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM”  the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.

WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?

The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.

NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.

For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.

See more ART on Edge of Humanity Magazine

Art * Digital Art * Fine Art Photography * Still Life Photography * Landscape Photography * Night Photography  Aerial Photography * Conceptual Photography * Underwater Photography * Architectural Photography 

See also:

Photography Articles *  Photography Book Recommendations  ART Book Reviews

Press Release For Artists, Photographers, Poets & Writers On Edge of Humanity Magazine

Support our Concept

COMMISSION FREE

CONTRACT FREE 

online platform for artist to sell their creations

NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

Please

DONATE

Thank you!

Written by Joelcy Kay

Editor & Curator | Edge of Humanity Magazine

Curator | NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

 

 

Blood and Honey

A Balkan War Journal

By Ron Haviv

Essays by Chuck Sudetic and David Rieff

Afterword by Bernard Kouchner

 

“An intimate and sad moment is captured in this
emotional image of a dead baby placed on a
white cloth. The scene takes place on the ground;
one adult carefully holds the infant while
the other pour the water from a tin can on
the baby’s dead body (pp.127).”

 

The open sky is the dominating subject in the leading image of ‘Blood and Honey’.   The silhouette of four Bosnian males going about their daily routine while watching a helicopter flying high overhead.  Also in this frame are birds flying low, over a flat landscape where these men are standing.  The simplicity of the bottom half of this image tells a much different story than its the top half.

‘The Crime and the Witness’ , an illustrated essay written by Chuck Sudetic, marks the beginning of ‘Blood and Honey’.  Bosnia refugees at play in Croatia (image p.20) depicts the inside of an abandoned building.  The patterns on the wall resemble paintings from the Dutch masters and from two openings (one probably caused by a bomb) children can be seen playing.

‘Blood and Honey’ tells a story of war; some of the captures are so close you can feel the heat of a fire, smell the smoke in the air and through the  eyes of the subjects, you can presence despair. These are the stories I would like to highlight:

Standing in front of a building with glassless windows the woman in red holds her head with both of her hands, desperate her facial expression tells the world around her that she has hit her limit (bottom right p.45).

The focus of the image on page 54 is the raging red fire coming out of a window in this already dilapidated building;  the story is that of helplessness as this man out of the nearby window tries to extinguish the fire using a bucket of water.

My favorite environmental portrait is of a ‘victorious Serbian paramilitary’ (pp.62-63). The man stands on a street in front of a wide and tall bombarded building; a classic portrait. He appears drunk holding a bottle of an alcoholic beverage.  Unshaven, his hair looks filthy and his eyes speak of pure evil. 

Another ‘victorious Serbian paramilitary’ environmental portrait can be found on (pp.78-79). Wearing a uniform,  carrying a rifle and  displaying a victory hand sign, he rides on a bicycle in front of a burning building.  A dried tree in the background completes this scene where fire is blasting out of some windows while smoke comes out of another.  

The images of back bones protruding from prisoner’s bodies in Bosnia, are raw (pp.87-89), while the image of a chair in a dark basement of a Serbian police station runs chill down my spine (pp.90-91).

Representing the power of faith is the (lightly damaged)  image of Jesus Christ (with all his fingers, toes and head), and still nailed to the cross, that stands tall creating a shadow on the bombarded wall behind; all surrounded  by devastation (p.99).

Blood on snow is the foreground of this landscape photography where a man walks on the side of a narrow trail.  The gray (sky and trees) in this image is perturbed by the red (blood) as the man walks into the trees,  is he leaving the past behind?

Surrounded by bombarded buildings, a  line of people try to find their way out as they walk through heavy debris (construction materials from demolished buildings) on the street.  Men, women, children and elderly, carrying what they can and marching out is a historical depiction of Croats being expelled (pp.136-137).

Wearing a military uniform and holding a rifle, a massacre survivor leans against a tree.  Resting his face on his hand and arm he seems to be composing himself.  A building with large dark windows and overgrown vegetation fills the background, a depiction of abandonment (pp.154-155). 

Stepping away from the serious material depicted in this book is the artistic image on page 157 displaying snow falling on  Americans peacekeepers.  The deep blue sky, snow dots and almost neon green from the uniforms give the photograph a surreal look, which is refreshing at the end of this book.

Trying to see what is left from their home, they look through a window;  strong light from above their heads creates interesting patterns while also illuminating the next room.   A Rembrandt moment (pp.172-173).

‘Blood and Honey –  A Balkan War Journal’ is a journey through moments one can only capture during times of extreme turmoil, when humans are at their best and at their worst. There are no intervals, no intermediaries between the viewer and the depictions. I recommend this book to anyone interested in photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, recent wars, history, the Balkans and travel.  

 

For book specifics see amazon.com below

Blood And Honey: A Balkan War Journal

 

 

Promote your photography book on

Edge of Humanity Magazine

Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books.

Joelcy Kay (the curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine and the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews and now she is available to write yours.

 

Here are some of Joelcy’s book recommendations:

Humboldt Sunsets By Matthew Busse Photography Book Recommendation By Edge of Humanity Magazine

BrazilBy Ralph GibsonPhotography Book Recommendation By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Photography Book Recommendations By Edge Of Humanity Magazine are published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine and at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog.  For more information on this service please email Joelcy at  jo@edgeofhumanity.com .

 

The  NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an

 Edge of Humanity Magazine project.

ABOUT

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY.  The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.

Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.

OUR CONCEPT

Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator

Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life.  Most of it was acquired during my travels.  Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity.  But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell.  It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale.  The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow.  And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM”  the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.

WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?

The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.

NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.

For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.

See more ART on Edge of Humanity Magazine

Art * Digital Art * Fine Art Photography * Still Life Photography * Landscape Photography * Night Photography  Aerial Photography * Conceptual Photography * Underwater Photography * Architectural Photography 

See also:

Photography Articles *  Photography Book Recommendations  ART Book Reviews

Press Release For Artists, Photographers, Poets & Writers On Edge of Humanity Magazine

Support our Concept

COMMISSION FREE

CONTRACT FREE 

online platform for artist to sell their creations

NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

Please

DONATE

Thank you!

Humboldt Sunsets

Book By

Matthew Busse

 

Written by Joelcy Kay

Editor & Curator – Edge of Humanity Magazine

Curator – NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

 

Sunsets are cyclical events available to almost everyone on earth.  They are nature’s greatest spectacle. A daily reminder that we are part of this creation but powerless in the presence of such beauty and the energy it emits.  Sunsets are the connection between light and darkness, an explosion of light and color before night takes hold.  And we stand to attention each time an opportunity to watch it unfolds.

Matt’s images show how grand a familiar event can be as he captures the sunsets in Humboldt. The power of deep colors tells many stories as one flips through the pages; it feels larger than it is, almost as if you were looking at these images on a theater screen.

‘Humboldt Sunset’ displays 31 photographs; every sunset awakens your senses as if you were looking at page one for the first time; the depiction not only resembles paintings but carries so much energy that it seems to have a life of its own.

Image 7 depicts the early evening stealing daylight under a deep blue and reddish sky. 

Image 9 features a simple scene of ocean and sky, but the light on the water coming onto the shore makes my feet feel wet. Here is that connection between humans and nature coming to life again.

Looking at image 15, I see an abstract painting (moving) as my eyes follow the display of colors as darkness invades.

My personal favorite is number 11; picturing a goldish and blue sky being chased by heavy clouds and rain.  The depiction is dark; sky, weather, water and land all harmonic telling a story.

Matthew Busse’s ‘Humboldt Sunset’ is poetry on canvas.

 

For book specifics see amazon.com below

Humboldt Sunsets

 

Also available on

Artmobile

Promote your photography book on

Edge of Humanity Magazine

Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books.

Joelcy Kay (the curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine and the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews and now she is available to write yours.

 

Here are some of Joelcy’s book recommendations:

 

Blood and Honey A Balkan War JournalBy Ron HavivPhotography Book Recommendation By Edge of Humanity Magazine

BrazilBy Ralph GibsonPhotography Book Recommendation By Edge of Humanity Magazine

Calcutta Bombay By Andreas HerzauPhotography Book Recommendation By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Photography Book Recommendations By Edge Of Humanity Magazine are published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine and at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog.  For more information on this service please email Joelcy at  jo@edgeofhumanity.com .

 

 

The  NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an

 Edge of Humanity Magazine project.

ABOUT

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY.  The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.

Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.

OUR CONCEPT

Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator

Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life.  Most of it was acquired during my travels.  Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity.  But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell.  It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale.  The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow.  And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM”  the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.

WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?

The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.

NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.

For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.

See more ART on Edge of Humanity Magazine

Art * Digital Art * Fine Art Photography * Still Life Photography * Landscape Photography * Night Photography  Aerial Photography * Conceptual Photography * Underwater Photography * Architectural Photography 

See also:

Photography Articles *  Photography Book Recommendations  ART Book Reviews

Press Release For Artists, Photographers, Poets & Writers On Edge of Humanity Magazine

Support our Concept

COMMISSION FREE

CONTRACT FREE 

online platform for artist to sell their creations

NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

Please

DONATE

Thank you!

   

Bhutan

The Land Of Serenity

By Matthieu Ricard

   

Written by Joelcy Kay

Editor & Curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine

Curator of NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

 

 

Peaceful landscape photographs found  in ‘The Land of Serenity’ (the book’s first chapter) pave the path for this calm depiction of life in Bhutan.  The chapter is also composed of village life images. My favorite is a photograph of two men dressed in reddish robes between prayer flags (pp.24 & 25). 

The Tiger’s Lair (the book’s second chapter) is about temples. The fog surrounding the mountain as well as the incredible location of these temples provides a surreal vibe to the  landscape photographs; the interior shots are vibrant, and in these places one can easily reach a state of contemplation. Images taken in the 1980s and 2000s.

Intimate colorful portraits of Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche dating back from the 1980s accompanied by a text about his life can be found in the  ‘A Spiritual Master’ chapter.  Traditional ceremonies, and gatherings for teaching and reading also appear here.

Confusing for the eye is the architectural shot of the Kuje temple on page 105 in the ‘Architecture: A Spiritual Dimension’ chapter.  Interesting depiction as the viewer must rescan the picture in order to assure orientation which refreshes the palate in the process.  This chapter depicts Bhutan’s unique architecture, buildings on enchanting landscape, as if they were there for eternity.

In the mix of images from ancient Buddhist art are environmental portraits of contemporary artists and craftsmen recreating these treasures from the past.  The weaver in page 143 (ch. Sacred Art) is my favorite; this environmental portrait depicts a woman working her traditional wooden loom and the surroundings are full of light and life.

‘Dancing Monks’ is the next chapter.  These vibrant images depicting festivals, dances and ceremonies from 2007; they emit energy and culture.  Loaded with dancing masks, my favorite (must bring it home)  artifact. The tight close-ups of these masks makes the artifact collector inside me salivate a bit. 

Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche is featured again in ‘The Great Accomplishment Ceremony’ chapter showcasing ceremonies from the 1980s. 

A dramatic presentation can be found on two very dark (black, fire and red) photographs taken in Paro Kyichu, 1982, my absolute favorites.

Also included in this chapter are images of ceremonies from 2005 to 2007.

Offerings Of Fire And Light; the last chapter in the book also includes Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche ceremonial images from the 1980s, but they take place outside on open land in a vast landscape.  These sky and land combinations give the ceremonies another dimension.

Ceremonial images from the 2000s are also included.

This is a book one can enjoy and relax while flipping its pages.  I recommend it to anyone interested in Bhutan, Buddhism (ceremonies, art, monasteries, temples and daily life), South Asia , the  Himalayan,  landscape, travel,  Eastern philosophy and travel. Enjoy!

For book specifics see amazon.com below

Bhutan: The Land of Serenity

Are you looking to have a published review of your Photo Book?

 
Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books. Joelcy Kay (the curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine and the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews for books in the Edge of Humanity Magazine’s Photography Book Collection and now she is available to write yours.  

Here are some of her book recommendations:

 

Curse Of The Black Gold

50 Years Of Oil In The Niger Delta

Photographs By Ed Kashi

Edited By Michael Watts

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Living Faith

Inside the Muslim World of Southeast Asia

By Steve Raymer

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Under A Grudging Sun

By Alex Webb

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Ethiopia

Peoples Of The Omo Valley

By Hans Silvester

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Quarries

By Edward Burtynsky

Photography Book Recommendation By Edge

of Humanity Magazine

 

Figments From The Real World

By Garry Winogrand

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

You can choose to have your (Photography Book Recommendation By Edge Of Humanity Magazine) published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine or at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog.  For more information on this new service please email Joelcy at  jo@edgeofhumanity.com .

 

The  NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an

 Edge of Humanity Magazine project.

ABOUT

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY.  The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.

Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.

OUR CONCEPT

Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator

Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life.  Most of it was acquired during my travels.  Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity.  But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell.  It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale.  The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow.  And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM”  the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.

WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?

The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.

NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.

For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.

See more ART on Edge of Humanity Magazine

Art * Digital Art * Fine Art Photography * Still Life Photography * Landscape Photography * Night Photography  Aerial Photography * Conceptual Photography * Underwater Photography * Architectural Photography 

See also:

Photography Articles *  Photography Book Recommendations  ART Book Reviews

Press Release For Artists, Photographers, Poets & Writers On Edge of Humanity Magazine

Support our Concept

COMMISSION FREE

CONTRACT FREE 

online platform for artist to sell their creations

NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

Please

DONATE

Thank you!

–

Broken Empire

After The Fall Of The USSR

Photographs By Gerd Ludwig

Text By Fen Montaigne 

–

Written by Joelcy Kay

Editor & Curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine

Curator of NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

–

Broken Empire starts with a classic landscape photograph of Siberia (cold to the bones), followed by daily life images taken before and after the fall of the USSR.

Chapter One (The Way It Was) is dominated by Moscow and Ukraine images taken 1992/93 right after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. There are some images depicting a higher level of freedom and jubilance, but most carry a gloomy mood and dilapidated infrastructure.

Photos from Moscow depicting the haves and have nots tell stories of extreme opposites, where some splurge while the many struggle to survive.

The picture of what life must have been in Ukraine is depicted among the dead in a gruesome photograph inside of a filthy morgue with stiff naked bodies on tables and others on the floor (p.57).

You can catch an apocalyptic vibe on the harsh features of the miners’ faces while they sit around half naked and smoking (p.67).

Like soldiers, the chimneys of Lenin Steel Works line up; framing this surreal landscape telling an environmental story.  While the heavy smoke escapes from these vertical structures; fishermen drill the polluted Ural River (pp.70-71). On page 72-73 camels walking away from an abandoned ship on dry land where once flowed the Aral Sea.

Poverty is depicted in many images where residents search for items on wastelands and trash containers (pp.74-75).

“A glimpse into hell”, hard work and unsanitary conditions are pictured inside this meat plant.  And to think that the flesh tossed around this disgusting place will end up on a fancy plate (p.76).  I will have the homeless guy’s pasta instead (pp. 78-79).  

Eight children with congenital deformities (without half of their arms and hands) stand for this story telling portrait in Moscow, 1993 (pp. 82-83).

And here comes a Rembrandt moment, depicting Chernobyl’s victims line up against the wall waiting for compensation (pp. 92-93).

Five years later, life looks very different.  Most images included in ‘A Window Opens’ (ch.2) were taken inside Russia in 1996/97.  There’s life and progress in these daily life images documenting moments throughout Russia.  New Russia offers happy moments, leisure time, family gathering, shopping, fashion and entertainment.  My favorite image shows a man almost falling from an agitated black horse in the water (pp. 130-131).

“Right off the silver screen” is the image on page 117, displaying a classic cinematographic scene; the soldier and his lover, lost in each other’s eyes.  Lit by the train’s yellow light and standing by the door; who will disembark first? Is this a love affair? 

“The Shape Of The New” is the last chapter of the book, depicting images from many places in Russia mainly in 2001 and life looks good.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in how daily life changed over recent decades, communism, capitalism, photography, world history and Russia history.  With some intense images, ‘Broken Empire’ is an interesting book to have around while entertaining, a good conversation starter. Enjoy!

–

For book specifics see amazon.com below

–

Broken Empire: After the Fall of the USSR

–

 

Are you looking to have a published review of your Photo Book?

  Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books. Joelcy Kay (the curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine and the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews for books in the Edge of Humanity Magazine’s Photography Book Collection and now she is available to write yours.  

Here are some of her book recommendations:

 

Curse Of The Black Gold

50 Years Of Oil In The Niger Delta

Photographs By Ed Kashi

Edited By Michael Watts

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Living Faith

Inside the Muslim World of Southeast Asia

By Steve Raymer

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Under A Grudging Sun

By Alex Webb

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Ethiopia

Peoples Of The Omo Valley

By Hans Silvester

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Quarries

By Edward Burtynsky

Photography Book Recommendation By Edge

of Humanity Magazine

 

Figments From The Real World

By Garry Winogrand

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

You can choose to have your (Photography Book Recommendation By Edge Of Humanity Magazine) published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine or at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog.  For more information on this new service please email Joelcy at  jo@edgeofhumanity.com .

 

The  NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an

 Edge of Humanity Magazine project.

ABOUT

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY.  The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.

Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.

OUR CONCEPT

Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator

Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life.  Most of it was acquired during my travels.  Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity.  But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell.  It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale.  The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow.  And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM”  the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.

WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?

The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.

NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.

For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.

See more ART on Edge of Humanity Magazine

Art * Digital Art * Fine Art Photography * Still Life Photography * Landscape Photography * Night Photography  Aerial Photography * Conceptual Photography * Underwater Photography * Architectural Photography 

See also:

Photography Articles *  Photography Book Recommendations  ART Book Reviews

Press Release For Artists, Photographers, Poets & Writers On Edge of Humanity Magazine

Support our Concept

COMMISSION FREE

CONTRACT FREE 

online platform for artist to sell their creations

NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

Please

DONATE

Thank you!

 

Written by Joelcy Kay

Editor & Curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine

Curator of NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

The Urhobo People baking tapioca using the heat generated by a gas flare (pp.20-23) starts off this massive depiction of daily life in the Niger Delta and the impact of oil on the lives of its inhabitants.

The images throughout this book illustrate resilience and poverty, in a place where oil spills seem to be a norm; emitting a level of realism (a feeling of being there). The photos depicting environmental pollution makes the viewer gasp for air (pp.30-33), they tell a story of hard working people, living without sanitation under the shadows of oil.

Oil facility images (pp.50-59) are presented in tight shots of workers in action and also on aerial photographs. Workers are found wearing full protective gear even behind computer workstations.

The book cover image is found on (ch. Slave Ship to Oil Tankers) which also contains interesting historical pictures and facts.  Wider than presented on the cover, this two pages portrait of two men’s torso holding machetes and soaked in oil while cleaning up an oil spill, has no protective gear on sight (pp.66-67).

The Empire of Commodities chapter, again with historical images and facts, depicts fish (fish market, drying fish and selling fish). My favorite (p.80-81) displays a child on the mother’s back and fish for sale all around.

After flipping through easy to see images of children playing (ch. Generation) one must take a deep breath or a long sip of whiskey in order to carry on.  The following images of a slaughterhouse are dark in all aspects with an apocalyptic vibe (pp.120-127).  You know you are looking at a documentary, but your emotional reaction is surreal just enough not to lose grip of the extremely harsh reality it portrays;  impressive, out of this world photographs , thank you Ed.

Poverty in print can be found in chapter Vanishing Soft Side that depicts dwelling and lack of sanitation.  The image of a person bathing (pp.134-135) is my favorite.

A girl holds a colorful Shell umbrella while she walks on pipelines, a storytelling image (ch. Now is the Time, pp.148-149).

Photographs of vibrant lady’s dresses and headdresses lift the mood on ch. Twelve Years Later.  Also included are shots of celebrations, daily life and food markets. My favorite image (pp.170-171) depicts three women, dressed for a traditional wedding.

The final images in ‘Curse Of The Black Gold | 50 Years Of Oil In The Niger Delta’ depicts painful moments of struggle, human suffering and structural loss. Grand Commander the book’s last chapter contains strong, high impact pictures of men holding heavy fire power and death.

‘Curse Of The Black Gold | 50 Years Of Oil In The Niger Delta’ is a must have for photography collectors of raw images and anyone interested in Africa’s social issues and the power of oil in recent history.  A large percentage of the images occupied two pages of the book, you remember them after you close the covers.

 

For book specifics see Amazon.com below:

Curse of the Black Gold: 50 Years of Oil in The Niger Delta

 

Are you looking to have a published review of your Photo Book?

  Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books. Joelcy Kay (the curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine and the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews for books in the Edge of Humanity Magazine’s Photography Book Collection and now she is available to write yours.  

Here are some of her book recommendations:

   

Living Faith

Inside the Muslim World of Southeast Asia

By Steve Raymer

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Under A Grudging Sun

By Alex Webb

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

   

Ethiopia

Peoples Of The Omo Valley

By Hans Silvester

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

Quarries

By Edward Burtynsky

Photography Book Recommendation By Edge

of Humanity Magazine

 

Figments From The Real World

By Garry Winogrand

Photography Book Recommendation

By Edge of Humanity Magazine

 

You can choose to have your (Photography Book Recommendation By Edge Of Humanity Magazine) published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine or at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog.  For more information on this new service please email Joelcy at  jo@edgeofhumanity.com .

 

The  NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an

 Edge of Humanity Magazine project.

ABOUT

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY.  The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.

Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.

OUR CONCEPT

Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator

Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life.  Most of it was acquired during my travels.  Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity.  But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell.  It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale.  The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!

The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow.  And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM”  the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.

WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?

The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.

NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.

For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.

See more ART on Edge of Humanity Magazine

Art * Digital Art * Fine Art Photography * Still Life Photography * Landscape Photography * Night Photography  Aerial Photography * Conceptual Photography * Underwater Photography * Architectural Photography 

See also:

Photography Articles *  Photography Book Recommendations  ART Book Reviews

Press Release For Artists, Photographers, Poets & Writers On Edge of Humanity Magazine

Support our Concept

COMMISSION FREE

CONTRACT FREE 

online platform for artist to sell their creations

NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY

Please

DONATE

Thank you!