Articles

Germaine Krull’s 1928 photobook Métal is considered one of the most significant photobooks of the twentieth century. Unlike conventional books, Métal is a unique object with a folded board cover and unbound plates showcasing industrial photography, printed as collotypes. The images depict machinery and structures from European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, emphasizing modern industrial forms without captions, allowing viewers to create their own interpretations. The photobook’s innovative design and dynamic photographic style have continued to inspire artists and designers since its publication. Métal was the first of six photobooks Krull published during a prolific phase in her career. Read Article

Germaine Krull, a pioneering photographer of the early 20th century, gained prominence in 1928 Paris for her avant-garde photographs featured in the magazine VU. Known for her modernist style, Krull captured city life, industrial structures, and intimate images of female couples, challenging conventional representation of gender and queer desire. Her photo book Métal (1928) highlighted industrial Europe, while her earlier portfolio Les amies depicted tender moments between women, reflecting her own queer experiences. Krull’s work defied norms by portraying queer female sexuality openly during a time of widespread invisibility and anxiety about lesbian identity. Read Article

Germaine Krull was a pioneering modernist photographer whose work was championed by Man Ray but has since been largely overlooked. Born in 1897, Krull traveled extensively and developed a unique photographic style that ranged from nudes to urban landscapes. She was an innovator in photographic books and utilized experimental techniques such as multiple exposures and unusual perspectives. A recent exhibition at Jeu de Paume in Paris showcases over 130 of her prints, including rare early works and images from her travels in Southeast Asia. This exhibition highlights her lasting impact on 20th-century photography. Read Article

Germaine Krull was a revolutionary photographer and political radical whose work was once acknowledged by Man Ray as his equal. Active primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, she pioneered modernist photographic techniques and produced influential photobooks such as Métal, which redefined visual poetry through images of industrial structures. Despite her early success and contributions to fashion, portrait, and documentary photography, Krull's recognition waned compared to her male contemporaries. A recent Paris exhibition, Jeu de Paume: Germaine Krull (1897–1985): a Photographer's Journey, aims to restore her legacy as a groundbreaking artist and radical free spirit who lived a diverse and nomadic life. Read Article

Germaine Krull (1897-1985) was a pioneering figure in modern photography and photojournalism, active mainly between 1920 and 1940. This exhibition at Jeu de Paume highlights her Parisian period (1926-1935), focusing on her innovative reportage style and modernist vision through 130 vintage prints and period documents. Krull’s work is notable for its freedom from aesthetic norms, her contributions to avant-garde publications like VU, and her role as one of the first photographers to publish photo books. She combined artistic creativity with political engagement and extensive travel, producing impactful photo series on urban life, industrial landscapes, and Asian culture. Read Article

This retrospective gallery showcases iconic photographs by Rankin from the 1990s, highlighting his innovative approach that challenged conventional fashion imagery. Featured works include conceptual shoots for Dazed & Confused magazine, such as life-size cutouts set ablaze to comment on fashion culture, and candid portraits of celebrities like Kate Moss and Jude Law. Rankin's early work emphasized creative lighting and in-camera effects before digital retouching became common. His photography also pushed boundaries by including older and plus-size models, and exploring themes of identity and fandom. Read Article

In this 2025 interview, legendary portrait photographer and magazine founder Rankin discusses his exploration of artificial intelligence in image making. Despite initial skepticism, Rankin embraced AI to create his project FAIK—a physical magazine and exhibition centered on AI's impact on photography. He describes a complex emotional journey, grappling with excitement and fear about AI's potential to redefine creativity. Rankin highlights the democratization of image-making enabled by technology and believes authentic photography will become more valuable, even as AI-generated imagery evolves. He remains committed to photography, adapting to new tools while reflecting critically on their implications. Read Article

This exclusive interview delves into the world of photography through the perspective of Rankin, one of the most respected and celebrated photographers in the industry. He shares insights into his approach and experiences while capturing iconic images of cultural figures. The discussion highlights his artistic vision and the impact of his work on contemporary photography. Read Article

Rankin discusses his new book, Marco Antonio X Rankin, which highlights his creative collaboration with make-up artist Marco Antonio. The book features a mix of vibrant colors and Rankin’s signature humor, showcasing the evolving ways beauty is used as a powerful form of self-expression. Their work challenges traditional beauty norms by emphasizing natural features and exploring makeup as an artistic frame rather than mere enhancement. One notable image from the book was part of a British Heart Foundation campaign raising awareness about heart disease through social media. Read Article

Photographer Raymond Meeks discusses his evolving sense of wonder in photography, emphasizing the recursive nature of inspiration and the challenge of balancing attention amid modern distractions. He highlights the creative process as a call-and-response between the inner world and the forms he discovers. Meeks advises artists struggling with editing to persevere and seek feedback from a trusted few. His workshop focuses on slowing the viewing experience to deepen perception, and his work is deeply influenced by the Hudson Valley, where he explores intimate, small orbits. He views his next book as the truest representation of his artistic growth. Read Article

Raymond Meeks, featured in the exhibition “Immersion” at the International Center of Photography, discusses his 2022 photobook “The Inhabitants,” which explores themes without a linear narrative, blending images with poetry. Meeks emphasizes the collaborative relationship between text and photography, the importance of chance in the darkroom printing process, and how his artistic approach evolves with personal growth. He reflects on the impact of analog photography against digital methods, the necessity of leaving interpretive space for the viewer, and the influence of American myth and masculinity in his work. His upcoming projects will involve a return to film and a redefined creative process. Read Article

In this interview, Raymond Meeks discusses his journey and creative process in photobook making. Drawing inspiration from children’s books and artists, Meeks explains how early experiences shaped his approach to narrative and imagery in book form. He emphasizes working closely with trusted collaborators while maintaining creative control to preserve momentum. Meeks views his audience primarily as fellow artists and values photobooks as a medium capable of developing emotional and cultural connections. He also reflects on the significance of personal focus over global reach and the subtle integration of writing within photographic works. Read Article