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X-Ray: See Through the World Around You
A collection of stark and sophisticated black-and-white images created with x-ray technology features such subjects as a Boeing 777, an mp3 player's circuitboards, and a translucent daffodil, in a computer-enhanced volume that reveals the unlikely beauty within everyday objects. 20,000 first printing.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 2, 2008
It sounds like a cliché but I really had a hard time putting this book down so I read it very quickly, even though I did refer back frequently from the picture index to the photos.
I was very intrigued by this book and I’m very grateful that I won it from Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
This is a coffee table book with substance. The photographer/author uses security scanners and x-ray machines to take photos and then often enhances them using computer programs. There is sufficient material that I added my nature, etc. and science, etc. shelves in addition to the art shelf I first assigned for this book.
The book has an introduction and then four sections which each have a short introduction: objects, the body, nature, fashion, and there’s a picture index in the back.
When I first reached the picture index I wished that it had been incorporated with the photos on their own pages, especially because I didn’t recognize some of the photo content as I was reading, but the more I think about it, the more I appreciate the layout. It was fun going back to the photos from the picture index and, of course, readers have the option to consult the index as they go through the book; my preference was to read it in order from cover to cover.
Overall, my favorite section of the book was the nature section. The flowers and fruits are fascinating and beautiful. My very favorite photo was one of the objects: an apparently well loved stuffed teddy bear whose stuffing is bunched up. Other objects I particularly enjoyed were a cell phone and a laptop, and I actually could go on and on about images I loved; I’ll let other readers discover them for themselves.
There were a few images I just didn’t get because they looked virtually identical to the actual objects; I couldn’t really tell that x-ray photography was used to film them.
I was disappointed that the body section really was composed of skeletons and not live people, but I definitely respect the photographer author’s ethics in not exposing people to dangerous x-rays.
As I was reading I didn’t at all enjoy the fashion section, which makes sense because I really don’t care much about fashion. However, when I got to the picture index I appreciated the section more, especially the Jimmy Choo shoes in a box that show the nails and metal plates with which they are made and the difference in feet’s appearance in high heeled vs. men’s shoes.
My favorite “find” from the picture index of a photo I did not identify when reading the main part of the book was an ice cream cone and, once I knew what it was, it was really interesting.
I wanted to see even more of these photos than those that are included in this book, but given that the techniques used to create this art are extremely time consuming, I value the wide range of subject matter and the amount of art contained in this hefty book.
I was very intrigued by this book and I’m very grateful that I won it from Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
This is a coffee table book with substance. The photographer/author uses security scanners and x-ray machines to take photos and then often enhances them using computer programs. There is sufficient material that I added my nature, etc. and science, etc. shelves in addition to the art shelf I first assigned for this book.
The book has an introduction and then four sections which each have a short introduction: objects, the body, nature, fashion, and there’s a picture index in the back.
When I first reached the picture index I wished that it had been incorporated with the photos on their own pages, especially because I didn’t recognize some of the photo content as I was reading, but the more I think about it, the more I appreciate the layout. It was fun going back to the photos from the picture index and, of course, readers have the option to consult the index as they go through the book; my preference was to read it in order from cover to cover.
Overall, my favorite section of the book was the nature section. The flowers and fruits are fascinating and beautiful. My very favorite photo was one of the objects: an apparently well loved stuffed teddy bear whose stuffing is bunched up. Other objects I particularly enjoyed were a cell phone and a laptop, and I actually could go on and on about images I loved; I’ll let other readers discover them for themselves.
There were a few images I just didn’t get because they looked virtually identical to the actual objects; I couldn’t really tell that x-ray photography was used to film them.
I was disappointed that the body section really was composed of skeletons and not live people, but I definitely respect the photographer author’s ethics in not exposing people to dangerous x-rays.
As I was reading I didn’t at all enjoy the fashion section, which makes sense because I really don’t care much about fashion. However, when I got to the picture index I appreciated the section more, especially the Jimmy Choo shoes in a box that show the nails and metal plates with which they are made and the difference in feet’s appearance in high heeled vs. men’s shoes.
My favorite “find” from the picture index of a photo I did not identify when reading the main part of the book was an ice cream cone and, once I knew what it was, it was really interesting.
I wanted to see even more of these photos than those that are included in this book, but given that the techniques used to create this art are extremely time consuming, I value the wide range of subject matter and the amount of art contained in this hefty book.
March 21, 2009
I know that Nick may cringe when and if he reads this, but I mean it as high praise when I say this is a coffee table book of the highest order. This one should never see my bookshelves because it belongs out where it can inspire conversation.
Once past the initial introduction, the collection is broken into four sections (objects, the body, nature, and fashion) with a picture index at the back. Each section has its own little intro bit and then the pictures are left to speak for themselves. At least that was the feeling when I went through it the first time. Of course, when I got to the back I found the 'picture index' and I proceeded to peruse once again as an enlightened student. It turned out to be a clever way to provoke a second viewing right away; I'm taking notes.
Nick uses security scanners and x-ray machines at varying intensities to capture his images. Some are enormous efforts such as the Boeing 777 in an aircraft hanger and includes over 500 separate x-rays that were assembled on a computer; a personal favorite because I spent eight years as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force.
But to label one a personal favorite falls short in understanding what has been assembled here. If you've ever watched a Pixar film, you almost expect the lamp on page fifteen to turn and look at you. The image of the binoculars gave me a new appreciation of the optics involved. The spun look of an ice cream cone in x-ray lends to its sensory texture.
There is a grouping of hands shot in varying degrees of intensity that could be viewed as an x-ray of concert goers arms, or a surrealists interpretation of Beelzebub's garden. No X-ray collection would be complete without the human skeleton included and the last picture of the set is poignant for its placement in the collection and on the page. The graduation from all x-ray to all photograph of an NFL football player is a nice touch, as is the bus load of passengers. When you stop to think of what went into each 'shot', it's amazing.
Some of the nature section includes images that at first seem more photograph than x-ray. But plant material really has little substance to it for this method. What Nick has here is a real command of his art form. His capture of two anemones in gossamer clarity is truely haunting. The fruit bat, with its outstretched wings had me splaying my own fingers in imitation of flight. And what I saw when I viewed the shell on page 170 was an other-worldly tornadic whirlwind sandstorm. Assimilation in nature is common, at least in my head.
I should mention that this must have been a sort of horror show for the printers, and in particular, the pressmen. There is a lot of ink 'going down' on these pages. And someone should give them a pat on the back for pulling off a great job.
Once past the initial introduction, the collection is broken into four sections (objects, the body, nature, and fashion) with a picture index at the back. Each section has its own little intro bit and then the pictures are left to speak for themselves. At least that was the feeling when I went through it the first time. Of course, when I got to the back I found the 'picture index' and I proceeded to peruse once again as an enlightened student. It turned out to be a clever way to provoke a second viewing right away; I'm taking notes.
Nick uses security scanners and x-ray machines at varying intensities to capture his images. Some are enormous efforts such as the Boeing 777 in an aircraft hanger and includes over 500 separate x-rays that were assembled on a computer; a personal favorite because I spent eight years as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force.
But to label one a personal favorite falls short in understanding what has been assembled here. If you've ever watched a Pixar film, you almost expect the lamp on page fifteen to turn and look at you. The image of the binoculars gave me a new appreciation of the optics involved. The spun look of an ice cream cone in x-ray lends to its sensory texture.
There is a grouping of hands shot in varying degrees of intensity that could be viewed as an x-ray of concert goers arms, or a surrealists interpretation of Beelzebub's garden. No X-ray collection would be complete without the human skeleton included and the last picture of the set is poignant for its placement in the collection and on the page. The graduation from all x-ray to all photograph of an NFL football player is a nice touch, as is the bus load of passengers. When you stop to think of what went into each 'shot', it's amazing.
Some of the nature section includes images that at first seem more photograph than x-ray. But plant material really has little substance to it for this method. What Nick has here is a real command of his art form. His capture of two anemones in gossamer clarity is truely haunting. The fruit bat, with its outstretched wings had me splaying my own fingers in imitation of flight. And what I saw when I viewed the shell on page 170 was an other-worldly tornadic whirlwind sandstorm. Assimilation in nature is common, at least in my head.
I should mention that this must have been a sort of horror show for the printers, and in particular, the pressmen. There is a lot of ink 'going down' on these pages. And someone should give them a pat on the back for pulling off a great job.
February 3, 2012
This book provides an interesting look at the structure of everyday things. I most enjoyed the images that were made up of many x-rays. Certainly Veasey's work is a new look at the visual beauty revealed by x-ray photography. It's amazing how still and clean all of the images are. Occassionally I had to remind myself that I was looking at x-rays and not at graphic creations. There is a picture index at the back of the book which gives little insights into the creation of the images and I found that helpful. Before looking at this book I never realized just how many little nails are inside those high heel shoes. No wonder they are so painful to wear! I would recommend this book, particularly to those interested in alternative photography. I also should note that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
November 6, 2014
Very interesting look at the inner workings and insides of the world around us.
September 11, 2017
finally got it . Awesome work
Read
January 8, 2025Amazing radiographs. Cool to see x-ray collection of electronics as well as the collection for flowers, fruits, shells and other organic material.
August 1, 2010
This simple art book, entitled X-Ray, is a collection of artwork by Nick Veasey using state of the art X-Ray equipment. The works are divided into four sections: Objects, The Human Body, Nature and Fashion. As one might expect objects were inanimate objects like remote controls, computers, musical instruments, and shoes. The human body is self-explanatory. Nature involved anything from flowers, to sea shells to insects and Fashion dealt primarily with clothing.
Simply said, I love this book. Like many young boys I always had a fascination with the inside of things, and how they were put together. I remember tearing apart old telephones, televisions and even a motorcycle in my backyard as a child so I could see how it was put together. Looking at these works brings me back to that fascination and wonder of my youth. Beyond those childish feelings, these x-rays have an uncanny capacity to bring order to chaos, and beauty to the mundane.
Read the rest of my review on my Blog
Simply said, I love this book. Like many young boys I always had a fascination with the inside of things, and how they were put together. I remember tearing apart old telephones, televisions and even a motorcycle in my backyard as a child so I could see how it was put together. Looking at these works brings me back to that fascination and wonder of my youth. Beyond those childish feelings, these x-rays have an uncanny capacity to bring order to chaos, and beauty to the mundane.
Read the rest of my review on my Blog
October 22, 2009
Mostly pictures of items using x-rays. This is an amazing book. Some of the pictures deserve to be pored over. The Nature section, especially, is very artistic, but I also enjoyed the Fashion segment.
February 12, 2010
Some interesting techniques but for my tastes many of the pictures have little added to them by being Xrays, or rely to heavily on the novel nature of an Xray photo and are not that intriguing. However they're are a few great gems worth flipping through this book for.
May 20, 2012
4.5 stars -
Absolutely gorgeous.
Absolutely gorgeous.
February 12, 2013
Great pictures and a different outlook on the world
November 29, 2014
A never-thought-of image collection which is so interesting to read and enjoy and think!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews