‘The Soul’
Martin d’Orgeval
Steidl
English
Hardcover
80 pages
420 x 323 mm
2011
ISBN 9783869300726
“These photographs speak to our search for truth, the truth in things, and the truth within each of us. By focusing on simple objects they hint at what endures in our understanding of the world. Whilst evidently not self-portraits, they are nonetheless a documentary and introspective confession, intended to reach beyond the intimate and to touch on something of a larger order, something spiritual. To create is an act of existence – but there is no existence without destruction. The architecture of this place is in an intermediate, dormant state. It was once alive and it is not yet dead. In this space between two universes a curious time descends, a quiet, transparent moment with no pollution of any kind. With the clarity of a mirror it simultaneously reflects a perfect and a damaged version of our soul. It is not the importance of the subject that holds my interest. I like the idea of being able to write, paint or make a photograph out of almost nothing, from or about an object without apparent qualities, to begin with the most obvious and simple things and discover in them some overriding truth. Their power can be captivating as they serve as a statement on the natural chaos of life.” – Martin d’Orgeval
About the Artist
Martin d’Orgeval was born in 1973 in Paris, where he still lives and works. His work has been exhibited in France, USA, England, Germany, Italy and China, in particular at Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris; Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Paris; Villa Oppenheim, Berlin; Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples; Galerie Hussenot, Paris; Adamson Gallery, Washington; Pace Gallery, Beijing.
http://www.martindorgeval.com/
About the Publisher
Gerhard Steidl began working as a printer and designer in 1968. From political non-fiction he then expanded into literature and selected books on art and photography. Steidl publishes German literature as well as translations from French, English and Icelandic.
In 1994 Steidl launched its international photobook program. Today it includes some of the world’s most renowned photographers and artists including Joel Sternfeld, Bruce Davidson, Robert Frank, Robert Adams, Karl Lagerfeld, Lewis Baltz, Dayanita Singh, Ed Ruscha, Roni Horn and Juergen Teller, to name but a few.
Every Steidl book distinguishes itself through individual design and production values. Known for his passion for paper, printer and publisher Gerhard Steidl personally selects the paper and binding materials for each title and oversees all aspects of the production process – each Steidl book literally passes through his hands.
Over the decades Steidl at Düstere Strasse 4 in Göttingen has become one of the most respected printers in the international publishing world. Whether photography, art, fashion or literature, it is Steidl’s goal to realize the dreams and goals of artists and authors, and to create art in book form.
https://steidl.de/
Additional Resources
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/7307731/Martin-DOrgeval-The-Soul.html
