Abelardo Morell: The Universe Next Door

I had not come across Morell's work before I got this book, and was very pleasantly surprised. The book has an essay about, and an interview with, the photographer, both of which help to put his work in context. He is best known for his camera-obscura work where he takes pictures within a camera-obscura (usually a room) showing both the view outside and the inside scene in what looks like (but isn't) a double exposure. If that was all there was to the book it would still be very worthwhile, but there is much more. Morell shows how he 'sees' a picture and thus educates the reader. This is not too surprising as he was a teacher of photography for many years, but he surely must have been a very unusual and inspiring teacher. To cap it off, the printing is first class, giving the impression that you have in your hand an original set of prints. If you have any interest in current photographers or art photography, this one is a must.

Each photograph in this book is like a short story, a world to get lost in. Photographs typically transport a viewer to another place or scene, but these take you inside yourself, inspire you to recall how much you saw as a child, in a state of unblinking wonder. Morell's work restores you to that lost world of uncensored imagination. If there is one thing that struck me about Morell's pictures that I see less often in contemporary photography it's the element of praise. There is little irony here, less of the chill of intellect and a lot of joy at what the camera can reveal of everyday magic. His work reminds me of the magnificent Keith Carter's. Morell's photographs are accompanied by an eloquent essay on the artist's life and work.

This exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago is curiously split between Morell's more recent color, tent pictures and camera obscura work and his early view-camera black and white photographs. Different galleries, different emphasis, different eras, different works. I think the comparisons and the development of his work would be better illustrated if all the work were gathered together, and this book does that, although not in toto. Still, the book is comprehensive and does credit to this wonderfully talented artist.

It is wonderful to review an artist whose work is so highly inventive in a world of so many similar images. Morrell has used old tools to reinvent imaging his immediate surroundings and classic landscapes. A series of totally experimental images include his take on photograms as well. see the actual images if you get a chance at his gallery in NY and the High Museum in Atlanta.

A beautiful book. I loved the exhibit, and waited to late to purchase a book there. Was very pleased to find it on Amazon.No matter how many times I look through this, I see something new, and fall in love with it all over again.

Discovered Morell at the Chicago Art Institute a couple weeks ago. His approach and techniques vary but every single photograph of his is wonderful.

This book exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high. Wonderful images, printed and presented beautifully. I recommend this to anyone who loves photography.

Terrific book and brilliant photographer

Fine survey of the work of a major modern. Good intro and very well printed.

beautiful book and an inspirational photographer

Excellent book!

In Inglese. Molto interessante, e anche se io l'ho comprato perché interessata alle foto del progetto "camera o scura", ho trovato che il percorso culturale di Morell sia comunque meritevole di essere conosciuto