Auto Focus: The Self-Portrait in Contemporary Photography

by BRIGHT SUSAN

In a media-saturated world, are we in fact becoming immune to the impact of photography that captures cataclysmic moments of devastation and suffering? Have we increasingly stopped looking and thinking, or is it that we react more to photographs taken after an event where there s an opportunity to reflect, to empathize?This powerful and thought-provoking survey features work by thirty-one contemporary photographers Robert Polidori, Suzanne Opton, Raphae l Dallaporta, Taryn Simon, Guy Tillim, and more whose concern is to examine the aftermath of violence, disaster, and suffering. The photographs invite us to consider the resonance of events that have taken place over sixty years of modern history, including the aftermath of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia, and the fate of people in the midst of horrible events or long-term upheaval, such as refugees, political prisoners, or survivors of natural disasters.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Angela Tolsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while working on a photo project. While the language used is a little intense overall I am so happy to be introduce to so man interesting self portrait projects and ideas. Favorites were Jemma Stehli and Elina Brotherus.

[Agnė Bernotaitė · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book to pieces, from visuals to academic analyses and language. Somehow everything falls in so beautifully and enriches my personality in many ways. It might not be for everyone but for those who it is are lucky.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book dedicated to contemporary photographic self-portraits. A number of expected artists are included here alongside other less expected choices, which makes it a good survey of the practice at the beginning of the 21st century. Also interesting to see the range of methods photographers use to capture their own likenesses, and the themes that reoccur throughout the book.

[Valarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting collection of photos with photographers' explanations, but overall it was too pompous for my taste.