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Avedon at Work: In the American West (Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center Imprint Series),Used
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Internationally acclaimed for his portraits of powerful and accomplished people and women of great beauty, Richard Avedon was one of the twentieth century's greatest photographersbut perhaps not the most obvious choice to create a portrait of ordinary people of the American West. Yet in 1979, the Amon Carter Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, daringly commissioned him to do just that.The resulting 1985 exhibition and book, In the American West, was a milestone in American photography and Avedon's most important body of work. His unflinching portraits of oilfield and slaughterhouse workers, miners, waitresses, drifters, mental patients, teenagers, and others captured the unknown and oftenignored people who work at hard, uncelebrated jobs. Making no apologies for shattering stereotypes of the West and Westerners, Avedon said, "I'm looking for a new definition of a photographic portrait. I'm looking for people who are surprisingheartbreakingor beautiful in a terrifying way. Beauty that might scare you to death until you acknowledge it as part of yourself."Photographer Laura Wilson worked with Avedon during the six years he was making In the American West. In Avedon at Work, she presents a unique photographic record of his creation of this masterworkthe first time a major photographer has been documented in great depth over an extended period of time. She combines images she made during the photographic sessions with entries from her journal to show Avedon's working methods, his choice of subjects, his creative process, and even his experiments and failures. Also included are a number of Avedon's finished portraits, as well as his own comments and letters from some of the subjects.Avedon at Work adds a new dimension to our understanding of one of the twentieth century's most significant series of portraits. For everyone interested in the creative process it confirms that, in Laura Wilson's words, "much as all these photographs may appear to be moments that just occurred, they are finally, in varying degrees, works of the imagination."
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has one hundred thirty-two pages. It offers a comprehensive look into Richard Avedon's photographic journey in the American West.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is hardcover. This provides durability and a premium feel, making it a great addition to any collection.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine point zero two inches in length, zero point eight inches in width, and eleven inches in height. These dimensions make it suitable for display on bookshelves.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Avedon at Work'? A: The author of this book is Laura Wilson. She provides unique insights into Richard Avedon's creative process during the making of his iconic works.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, this book is suitable for a wide range of ages. It is particularly valuable for adults and students interested in photography and American history.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition through Avedon's portraits. It challenges stereotypes of the American West.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store this book upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading and keep it away from moisture to preserve its quality.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean the book gently. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the cover and avoid using any liquids that could damage the pages.
- Q: What if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, you can contact customer support for a return or exchange. Ensure you have your order details handy for quicker assistance.
- Q: How does this book compare to other photography books? A: This book stands out due to its in-depth documentation of Richard Avedon's work process. It provides a unique behind-the-scenes look not commonly found in other photography books.
- Q: Is there a warranty on this book? A: Books typically do not come with a warranty. However, most retailers offer a return policy if the book is defective or damaged.
- Q: What is the primary focus of 'Avedon at Work'? A: The primary focus of the book is to document Richard Avedon's work in creating portraits of ordinary people in the American West.
- Q: What kind of portraits are featured in this book? A: The book features unflinching portraits of diverse individuals, including workers from various backgrounds and professions, capturing their essence and stories.
- Q: Are there any additional materials included with the book? A: Yes, the book includes additional images, Avedon's comments, and letters from his subjects, providing deeper context to his work.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for photography students? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for photography students. It offers valuable insights into the artistic process and creative challenges faced by a renowned photographer.