Map of the East

IMAGO MUNDI

by Leo Rubinfien, Donald Richie (Photographer)

In this illuminating book, featuring 105 color photographs, Rubinfien defines the character and idiosyncrasies of the Orient.

Genres: Photography, Asia

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Chris Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Rubinfien after he was praised by one of my favorite writers on photography, Robert Adams. With over 100 color photos of Asian landscape and daily life, this "maps" the feel of what it is like on that vast continent. An interesting decision is to not give information about the photos, leaving it to the very back if you care to look them up in the index. The result is looking at photos, not knowing if they are in Japan or Borneo or some other locale, which enables you to see them without preconceived notions of place. Although one of the strongest impressions it leaves me is that it is an overcrowded, dirty, smoggy place (I'm sure only true in certain places), the photos feel truthful and honest. A foreigner's view of what is worth contemplating. The writing, particularly the forward by the artist, is worthwhile, a great example of how to write about your own work without using words like informed, juxtaposed, spiritual, and explore (as in, "I explore the idea that...").