Intimate Obsessions by China Hamilton.
Published by Edition Reuss. ISBN-10: 393402047X
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Born in London in 1946, China Hamilton became interested in art and photography from an early age and later studied drawing and painting at Croydon College of Art and Design. His images have been widely published and exhibited and he has earned world wide respect for his research, development and invention of several alternative photographic processes. He is also warmly admired for the generous manner in which he has mentored photographers who have sought his advice. This has all combined to make him one of the world's most sought after and respected artists working within the erotic genre today.
Given that he is also a writer - a book of his poetry and short stories will soon be published - the world that Hamilton creates marks him out as something of a philosopher poet. Though not, despite the S&M flavour to many of the artworks, that of a Marquis de Sade but instead there are echoes of Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Immanuel Kant and Roland Barthes. What also comes across from viewing this collection is the inherently sympathetic dialogue between artist and muse that has resulted in complete openness and trust.
Critics from the neo-puritan school have found Hamilton's work controversial, indeed a few of his images may upset those that set out to judge, but then we all bring a little of ourselves to the reading of any artwork and this is reflected back at us and many, hating their own reflection and refusing to enter into dialogue with it, seek the easy option and attempt to destroy the mirror.
'Intimate Obsessions' is published in a hard cover, with dust jacket, and opens with a four page introduction, penned by Hamilton, in which we learn something of his working practice and philosophy. The 90+ duotoned photographs are printed on art paper and reproduced to the same high standard that one has come to expect from Edition Reuss.
If you already own any of Hamilton's previous publications then you will know what to expect and will therefore be eager to place 'Intimate Obsessions' within your collection - needing no recommendation or encouragement from a reviewer to do so. If you are new to the world of China Hamilton then you will find this monograph the perfect introduction to the work of this singularly unique talent.
Review by Christopher John Ball
***** Rating
*Review Star Ratings If you have a photography related book you would like reviewing, including self-published material, email details to chris@cjballphotography.co.uk and I will happily consider doing so. The review will be hosted, free of charge, on this website and posted via Twitter and Facebook. All I ask in return is that a link be placed on your own site to the review on this website and, if used in any promotional material, I am credited as Christopher John Ball.
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