DPM - Disruptive Pattern Material

by Hardy Blechman (Editor)

This encyclopedic art book charts the history of camouflage from its inspiration in nature, through its adoption by the military, to its current uses in design and popular culture. Divided into two books totaling 944 pages, DPM offers comprehensive coverage of this multifaceted and highly engaging subject. It contains more than 5,000 images by the world's leading nature, military and fashion photographers. It includes a comprehensive guide to the camouflage patterns issued to soldiers of 107 nations around the world and documents the rise of camouflage outside the armed forces - its use by anti-war protestors in the 1960s, further exploration by modern artists, and reinvention within areas such as fashion, architecture, music, film and sport. Depictions of camo-clad cultural icons such as David Beckham, Robert De Niro, U2, Notorious B.I.G., Ali G, Neneh Cherry and Joe Strummer illustrate the theme. Rescuing camouflage from its unhappy associations with war and conflict, this book emphasizes its natural beauty. It is the modern reference guide for both the novice and the seasoned camoufleur.

Genres: Fashion, Design, Art

944 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Dalleer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge chunk of a bible regarding the military and commercial advancement and use of Camouflage. It is an interesting historical and fashion study, but as said it can be a handful to read due to the large size of the two books included in the set. Expect to take a long time with it.

It's hard to exactly pinpoint which might be socioeconomical group most interested of this particular release - would it be the excentric fashionistas clad in camouflage or perhaps the more traditional military buffs? Either way it is interesting in its' own way and hopefully all sorts of "artsy" types will have a field day with it along with the all the other usual suspects interested of its' contents.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone gave an obsessive Japanese person unlimited money and time to make this incredible reference book

[Kraig Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

While you might think this might had been written by some war nut it does not seem to be the case. there is quite abit on counterculture and subversive appropiating camouflage. Which is what the book is about. Having survived passing through the flames of minimalism, i somehow rejoyced at the meer implication of disruptive patterns that hide thing underneath or within. It is in much the same way i grew to hate those always smiling pictures of Cage like some creepy manic guru and Crytography reminded me that there is a shadow here where indeterminacy can just as easily be rooted in paranoia.There is much to this book for 'everyone' (god how i hate that idea!) as he looks at it in enough different ways that i was able to take off like this. not only the visual arts but all you poets up there might find a way to keep you there. am i picking on you? It likewise is to a face in the mirror!

[R.Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably detailed and exhaustive study of the history of disruptive pattern material--or "camouflage" as it's more commonly known. Beautifully researched, compiled, and designed 2-volume set; the accompanying smaller volume being an overview of military camouflage from around the world. Bonus if you can score one of the limited editions, signed by Hardy Blechman himself.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

DPM - Disruptive Pattern Material: An Encyclopaedia of Camouflage: Nature, Military and Culture (2004)