Photobook Belge
01.03.2019
06.10.2019
Photobooks are one of the most effective means of expression for a photographer. Books reach far more people than an exhibition ever could since they remain in circulation and may be reissued. As such, they play a crucial role in the distribution of photography. Reading a photobook, with its combination of text, image and design, is a multisensory experience. This collaboration between photographer, writer, designer and publisher results in an immensely appealing product.
There is no absolute definition of the term photobook. In the broadest sense, it refers to a book of photographs that are in some way interconnected so as to convey the author’s message. The past fifteen years have seen photobooks become a hot topic within the photography world. Elevated to the status of art objects, they have joined vintage prints in being much in demand among collectors. This has led to a change in the way both the public and makers approach photobooks.
To date, hardly any research has been conducted into Belgian photobook. Photobook Belge provides an overview of the evolution of the Belgian photobook from the mid 19th century to today. Divided into 8 chapters covering almost 250 books, it offers a representative selection of Belgian publications: from author’s and artists’ books to city albums, propaganda and photographically illustrated works. With this exhibition and publication, the Belgian photobook is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
The research conducted into Belgian photobooks is the result of a collaboration with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. FOMU’s extensive library formed the foundation for the project and was supplemented with loans from public and private collections.
Curator and editor: Tamara Berghmans
