The photobook Binde 100–10 of the legendary Latvian photographer Gunārs Binde has been published. Together with the exhibition of the same name at the Latvian National Museum of Art, it celebrates the photographer’s 90th anniversary year. The publication brings together a wealth of material covering sixteen of Binde’s most important themes and series of works, featuring 366 photographs. The book is designed by Alexey Murashko, who has played on Binde’s title of «master of light» in the design of the publication.
Gunārs Binde, who gained national and international recognition in the early 1960s, captivates with his subtle approach to light, his analysis of human psychological states, and his nuanced depiction of nudity. The idea of staging, which he borrowed from the theatre, and the influence of the Italian neorealism and French New Wave (La Nouvelle Vague) films that were once current give his works a special atmosphere, setting him apart from other members of his craft. His photographs, The Wall (1964), Seated Nude by the Chair (1967), and Portrait of Eduards Smiļģis (1965), the surprising behind-the-scenes story of the making of which is presented in this new edition, have been widely acclaimed.
Gunārs Binde’s archive of works exceeds 100,000 negatives, includes tens of thousands of digital photographs and thousands of silver prints, including experimental works, collages, and sketches. Given that this is only the photographer’s second book, the previous one having been published eighteen years ago, the team set out to create a wealth of content. The new edition presents this in two parts, a text and a photographic part, both of which take an in-depth look at sixteen of Binde’s most important themes and series of works. Difficult decisions were made during the selection of the photographs, sometimes leaving certain themes in the background and sometimes replacing them with others just a few days before the edition went to the printers. The result is a book of 366 photographs, 408 pages thick, and weighing almost three kilograms.
SAnna Binde, the co-editor of the book, says: «Our goals in creating Binde 100–10 were to bring Gunārs’ work to life, as well as to educate and surprise the reader. The designer, Alexey Murashko, has ensured that the book itself aspires to the title of a work of art while at the same time capturing the essence of Gunārs; it is a monumental and rational book that is at times not afraid to tease the reader. Particular attention has been paid to design solutions, tactility, and the play with light. When read in good lighting or in the sun, the book shimmers in shades of bronze, silver, and mother-of-pearl, a reminder of both the artist’s countless achievements and the title of «master of light» that he has earned over the years.»
The book is published with text in Latvian and English. Edited by Anna Binde, Alexey Murashko, and Elīza Ramza. The book was designed by Aleksejs Murraško. The texts were written by Elita Ansone, Alise Tīfentāle, and Santa Hirša, translated to English by Lauris Veips and Anna Zaslavska, and edited by Guna Kalniņa and Terēze Svilane. Published in Jelgavas Tipogrāfija. Publisher: Gunārs Binde Foundation. Supported by the Tavs Atbalsts Foundation, the State Culture Capital Foundation, and the Riga City Council.
The book is available on Gunārs Binde’s website.
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