Michael Kenna: A 20 Year Retrospective Hardcover – March 31, 2003

As an artist, Michael Kenna never fails to deliver excellence. Thankfully the printing in this book comes as close as it is possible in offset lithographic reproduction to remind us what his original art looks like. His work is a challenge to print, especially this well. Somebody cared a lot about this large, beautiful book from the beginning to end of the processes that created it. This is also the first book I had seen of Mr. Kenna's rich, long tonal range, emotive photographs. I was visiting a friend who opened it up during another conversation. I could not wait to have in in my hands and carefully appreciate what I could see and sense. I was delighted to be able to take an even closer look when I had a copy of my own. It completely captivates me and I did not want to stop looking. Each place is transformed by his personal moods and meanings. Each place can represent a kind of state of mind that is simultaneously stimulated by your personal aesthetic response. These are solitary places. many of which are almost mystical in their peaceful, contemplative invocations. I also felt part of every distinct place, page by page, instead of just being an observer or simply staring in appreciation of his fine craft. Kenna is the level of photographer that many others try to emulate or, failing that, take a far easier route, attempting to copy. Either way, they are compliments.You will find several other books about Michael Kenna and his work but this book's illustrations are hard to beat taken as a collection. One could complain that any retrospective collection will suffer from its inability to form a coherent whole. However, that would be unfair to you, the reader, for each plate is ultimately experienced and explored one by one. The collective contributions can be left open to further debate by specialists. I am still content to leave my time and place to visit those minimalist creations he has made into photographs. Each visit is fresh despite my familairity.I also recommend it very highly to those building a library collection of the best books available about photographers.

His is not just taking a photograph but creating his vision on film. I am amazed at his compositions and ability to take photography to a different level. I highly recommend his books if you are doing long exposure, B&W, or fine art photography. If you are a fellow photographer you can take a couple of hours and analyze his work and compare it to your own....you will then realize what a master he is at his craft. Everything is placed within the composition for a particular reason and his use of shades of gray / dodge & burning really is magical. You can see the time that must have gone into each location to capture these images. I have all his books and I recommend them all because each bring something new to his work and photography.

Kenna is absolutely one of the 20th and early 21st century's best photographers. This book is lovely and of the highest quality well worth the more than reasonable price.

This album is great for both - people who already loves Michael Kenna's art and those who are just new to photography art, giving idea of Kenna's path begining and springs of his inner view. Aesthetics and technically masterpiece. You can't just watch all album from start to end in one go, each time I watch it, I select just few works to enjoy and can spend literally hours, immersing into it. And you never know who's exploring whom - you exploring pictures and places or they are examining you. And also I want to mention very high quality of real-size prints.

Beautiful images by Kenna. The size and production quality are excellent.

If you're looking into getting to know one of the most influential photographers of the last 30 years, this book is a perfect place to start. It offers a great variety of Michael's work, reproduced at life-size - in sizes that Kenna prints all of his work.The quality of printing is outstanding - I was very impressed.

Michael Kenna is a genius and a most sublime artist. This retrospective is a wonderful display of his work. Highly recommended!

I think the book shows his work very well.Good size pages with good printing.

Well worth the money

Excellent book. I think that some of his later work is even better.

Superb

Michael Kenna ist einer der Grossmeister der Schwarzweissfotografie. Es sin überwiegend Landschafts- und ein paar Architekturfotografien aus unterschiedlichen Ländern.Beeindruckender Umgang mit dem Licht.

Very fast shipping and reasonable price!!!!!And above all, the condition of this book was top stand look like a new book!I'm very happy with this book and of course next time i'll order again another book. :)