Guy Bourdin: Polaroids by Toscani, Oliviero (2010) Hardcover

by Guy Bourdin

"Timeless images from one of the first fashion provocateurs whose singular way of seeing influenced contemporary photography and continues to do so.” – Emotion Daily One of the Polaroid's acknowledged masters, Guy Bourdin (1928-1991) brought to the medium an uncanny ability to combine the snapshot feel with a strong patina of glamour, and of course plenty of sexiness. A protégé of Man Ray, and best known today for his controversial fashion photography, Bourdin like his teacher often brought an edge of menace or discomfort to his eroticism, with surrealistic props and implied narratives. Like the Surrealists, he often devised ways to bisect the female form, usually by cropping out above the waist; all these traits of Bourdin's fashion photography are to be found here, in this selection of 98 Polaroids, most of which have never previously been published. Ranging in formality from casual seaside erotica to darkened interiors with disembodied legs and arms poking into the frame, these images step outside the safety of the fashion shoot, conjuring a real-life realm steeped in an ominous sexuality.

Genres: Photography, Art, France, Fashion, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published June 30, 2010

Reviews

[Aaron the Pink Donut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to write a really long and in depth review but I really all I can say is just buy this book. Don't think about- JUST DO IT. It is one of the best photo books I have ever seen. Really. Its that good.

[Youssef ElNahas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Polaroids that push the boundaries of Instant film. Some of the photos feel like they are objectifying the subject but at the same time not offensive - guess it’s a French thing. Would have appreciated at least some commentary.

[LD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Polaroids that look more like a second in time than a test print. I wish there was more of an introduction to the works, but they are simple presented without comment and hold up in that manner.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my favorite work by Bourdin. it has the same formal and conceptual depth as his "real" work, but i prefer the looser approach and imperfections of the polaroids.