May 11, 2005
Lens Culture in Paris
Place des Vosges, May 2005
Two weeks ago we moved to Paris. It's a dream. Still stunned and amazed. Pleased to report that photography is flourishing here (as it has since the beginning of photography). Now that we're established in our light-filled 17th century editorial offices, we hope to crank up the volume a bit.
By chance, Ralph Gibson was in town last week and came by our place for dinner and conversation. An unexpected delight. He entertained us with original jazz compositions on guitar, and talked about his current photography project in Brazil, new books, and starting out with Dorothea Lange and Robert Frank. Jeff Cowen was here, too, and we talked until 3 a.m. Robert Frank's advice to Gibson (which he says he still takes to heart): `Start with a point of departure.`
Comments
Jim, first you make me homesick (used to live in the 7e arr. myself), then sock me with jealousy… can you say more about this new Gibson project?
Crank away!
Kevin—
I didn’t get to see any of Gibson’s images from Brazil, but he seemed quite excited by the new work, and described some areas of Brazil as having a fascinating social structure that felt lawless in a way, yet quite cohesive. He’s also getting ready to release a new book this summer that will be a collection of his writings on photography — that should be a worthwhile read.
I’m pretty sure it was Dorthea Lange who advised a point of departure. not Robert Frank