Book Critique

Rosilind O’Connor, The Outsider

With its foundation on such a beautiful project, how could this book have gone wrong? It probably couldn’t. But Rosilind has truly taken her original collages beyond its initial splendor. The entire book, from cover to last page, is truly stunning, not only due to the gorgeous canvas that is Italy, but Rosilind’s eye for capturing scenery and her imaginative final compilation. I very much enjoy the section in Siena and San Gimignano, where she steps into the countryside. The straight landscapes are wonderful in themselves, but the figures captured in some give the images character and zest. Some of my favorite figures include the small boy in the left corner of a Venetian compilation staring defiantly back at the viewer, and the man clad in black staring into a Florence leather shop window with his hands clasped behind his back. Overall, this book is a wonderful piece of work.

Mike Joslin

Mike’s long vertical book opens to display an extended panorama of an art studio. Broken up into three images, the book reveals every side of the studio from the window on the left to the blackboard on the right. While natural light bathes the room from one side, the room generally seems dingy but filled with objects to explore, a pair of legs hanging on the wall, a back room of racks, and a green garden hose on the right. The various objects keep you wondering and guess what exactly this studio is used for. To match the paint splattered sinks and doors, the book cover and photographs have been splashed and scratched. The overall book presentation mirrors the character of the studio, worn and dirty, but beautiful in its own right.

Tim Officer

Tim’s small red accordion book holds a playful surprise for viewers. What child doesn’t see faces in the headlights and grill of every car they pass? The human mind has a knack for finding and judging faces, so it seems only natural that we would find two eyes and a mouth in various household, electrical, and street objects. From a fire hydrant to a cabinet, Tim’s photos personify various everyday objects. I really love the concept behind this book, my only wish is that there were many more faces to get to know.

Michelle Zany, Boston

Michelle’s compilation of street photography in the subway systems of Boston truly shows off her talent for capturing the decisive moment. The fifty plus pages contains a plethora of black and white photographs, each with its own memorable character. The book really captures the diversity of life in on the T, but also plays with the social acceptability of photographing in public spaces. Many of the figures Michelle captures are staring straight into the camera. Some may be unaware of their picture being taken; others lean out of the door to give her a “thumbs up”. Dirty looks and confused eyebrows abound, while others are lost in their own thoughts of the everyday. I love that all of these photographs are in black and white. It really ties the book together while producing some beautiful images. I also applaud Michelle on the sheer number of images she included in her book. It really creates a wonderful experience.