Analyzing an existing photobook, presentation 7 min

Synopsis

Analyzing the book: Henk Jurriaans lived from 1940 till 2005, he was a Dutch psychologist and Artist. His business card said 'Specialist in everything' and this gives already a good impression of his character. In 1975 he sold his behavior to the Municipality of Amsterdam, therefore he exhibits himself at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. For 25 day's he exhibit himself for an hour in the museum. The book 'M'N LEVEN ALS KUNSTWERK' is a documentation of this event, the black and white pictures that simply document the action are made by Joop Souverein, on the top of every page there is a picture, the other half of the page is a text, the text and pictures are not connected in a specific order. The text is written like a logbook during the period, Henk describes his creative process en struggles, but also shares his excitement around the event, how he enjoys the attention, and the book. In Holland, where most people think someone should behave modestly, this behavior is quite rebellious. At the end of the book, you've been asked by the writer to turn it around and continue reading, because the pages continue in the same way, upside down to the front.

Irma's View on the book: The book is made in a simple pocket edition style, this is a specific choice of the writer. I think it fits the concept, the book could be "more special" but since it's a documentation of the event it seems logical that the layout and size of the book does not overrule the event. The book was part the exhibition, to give the audience the opportunity to get their book signed by the artist, Henk was looking forward to this. Personly I like the philosophy of Henk Jurriaans, to be confident of yourself, enjoy life and tease or dare people to be who they would like to be. The work could be seen as a narcissistic approach, but I think this is too simple. Although he loves to stand on the stage he thinks, in my opinion, that everyone should dare to take the stage they would like to be on.

Checklist photobook analysis from Frits

BOOK FACTS

Title : M’n leven als kunstwerk

Photographer(s) : Joop Souverein

Writer(s) : Henk Jurriaans

Graphic designer : Henk Jurriaans

Publisher : Uitgeverij Contact

Year of publishing : 1976

International Standard Book Number ISBN : 90 6019 392x

Edition : first?

Size : 20 cm by 12,5 cm (pocket edition)

Number of pages : 159

Number of images :151 in black & white

Language : Dutch

Price : Only second-hand edition, around 10 euro

CONTENT

Subject or theme : Behavior as an Art piece.

Photography : Documentation of an event

Cover image : Portrait of the subject

Type or purpose of the publication : Documentation of an event

Publisher and/or commissioner (ideology)

FORM

Overall design : Pocket Edition Hardcover or paperback or other : paperback Materials used : Simple styled paper. Sections : - General information : Copyright, publisher, etc. - Acknowledgments - Half Title Page - Quote and dedication, foreword, chapters, literature, register etc.

Lay-out of images on the page : Every page has a picture on the top of the page that covers half of it, the other half is used in a diary form of the artist during this event.

Montage, narrative : The text and pictures are about the same subject but do not match in the narrative of the story. Binding : The booked is glued together because the pocket-edition style fits the concept of the artist.

CONTEXT

Other books on similar subject : No

Other perspectives on the subject: No

Other books by the same photographer/writer: No

Background photographer : Artist, I can't find much information about him, I guess it was a friend who documented the event. Background commissioner : Not clear Way of promoting : Trough the event in the museum Way it is financed (money source) : By the publisher Limited edition? : Not clear, but I guess.