Marti Friedlander's 185 " blanks", selected by art historian Leonard Bell for this eponymously titled volume, (Marti Friedlander, Auckland University Press, $75, hbk) represent a fascinating view of New Zealand's social and cultural journey of the past half-century.
Emigrating in 1958, Friedlander used her outsider's eye to document this nation's artists, activists, politicians, the good and the great, and more importantly the ordinary; the details of daily life that fade and are forgotten. They're still here, astutely observed in Friedlander's photographs.
Bell's eloquent accompanying text elucidates her life and work. He has known Friedlander for more than 30 years and it shows.
The thoughtful and sympathetic design allows the text to breathe and the images sparkle.
No coffee-table lightweight, the book is extensively referenced, noted and indexed as a publication of depth and insight demands. Marti Friedlander is a splendid fusion of art and scholarship.
- Gerard O'Brien is a professional photographer.
