Book Review: “After Beauty” by Maura Sullivan
In a description less about what I saw and more about what I felt, Maura Sullivan's imagery lends itself to introspection and discovering a personal experience in the consumption of her photographic stories. The photographs contained here are less about a specific body of work and more culled from her extensive personal archive. These images allow the viewer to find their own story within its covers and provide context and meaning beyond what Sullivan might direct. The feeling of a romantic relationship occurs in this book, and there is a need to experience it again after turning the final page – a desire to feel it once more.
I took the opportunity with this book to sit outside in the waning hours of the day under a canopy of ambient sky. Doing so allowed me to embrace the images that much more for the similarities of light I was viewing. Even the pages stood out that much more, seeing and feeling the subtle texture with every page turn.
There are images here that remind me of my own earliest proof sheets and observing what first appeared to be mistakes. However, these are far from mistaken images; they are entirely intentional and are a requirement of the self-discovery contained here. As always with the work of Sullivan, the story is unique and personal to the reader and observer. Subtle portraits, the innocence of youth, and quiet moments pervade the narrative that lives on these pages. The shadows, grain, and blur – all contribute to and emphasize the quietly mysterious nature of every image. We find ourselves and our past in these fleeting images. Photographs born of deep-seated memories. Photographs of longing – photographs of reaching for connection.
Immediately upon holding this book, the tactile linen cover reminds you that you are not viewing photographs on a phone or monitor before your journey even begins. Within this cover, simple and easy formatting and sequencing make for easy consumption of every page. The photographs have been interspersed with the poems of Walter S. Fields, which seem to personalize the experience even more. No frills, quality materials, and unpretentiously beautiful packaging encapsulate this entire monograph.
Owning Maura Sullivan's previous monograph, I was already of fan of her photographs, and this latest release solidifies that feeling into concrete form. What is especially nice to see here is the lovely job 1605 Publishers has done with the presentation of the work. This fact makes me want to see what else they offer to photobook-loving consumers out there. Bottom line – I'm now a fan of both Sullivan and 1605, and you should be as well. So find this one for yourselves, you will not be sorry.
"After Beauty" contains photographs from the private archive of the American photographer Maura Sullivan. It was released in February 2022 by 1605 Publishers. Sullivan graduated from Syracuse University and studied at the International Center of Photography in New York. Her main inspiration, when it comes to art creation, is poetry and silent meditative walks around her hometown, New York. Sullivan loves discovering hidden places of the metropolis where she has a chance to meet candidates for her mysterious and nostalgic portraits.
“After Beauty” by Maura Sullivan
Photographer: Maura Sullivan
Poems: Walter S. Fields
Format: Linen Hardcover
Dimensions: 23x29 cm
Pages: 96 pages
ISBN: 9789083065069
Publisher: 1605 Publishers
Design: Janneke Schrey, Bastiaan Woudt
Edition: 500
ISBN: 9789083065069
Available for purchase at 1605 Publishers!
Available for purchase at 1605 Publishers!
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Michael Kirchoff is a photographic artist, independent curator and juror, and advocate for the photographic arts. He has been a juror for Photolucida’s Critical Mass, and has reviewed portfolios for several fine art photographic organizations and non-profits in the U.S. and abroad. Michael has been a contributing writer for Lenscratch, Light Leaked, and Don’t Take Pictures magazine. In addition, he spent ten years (2006-2016) on the Board of the American Photographic Artists in Los Angeles (APA/LA), producing artist lectures, as well as business and inspirational events for the community. Currently, he is Editor-in-Chief at Analog Forever Magazine, Founding Editor for the photographer interview site, Catalyst: Interviews, Contributing Editor at One Twelve Publishing, and the Co-Host of The Diffusion Tapes podcast.
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