The Collectors Guide to Emerging Art Photography
This book extends the mission of the Humble Arts Foundation to connect the gap between emerging photographers and collectors. There is a limited sale of 100 copies to the public [out of 5000 print run that are reserved for industry professionals– photo editors, curators, art buyers etc.] . See some of the wonderful images here, and the list of photographers here.
First of all, what are the credentials of these authors/curators to publish a book like this? Who cares? I’ve never heard of any of them. They have no clout in the art world. It might as well be an issue of any old art magazine. It’s not like it’s MOMA’s list or a Martin Parr/Gerry Badger compilation. With self-publishing (and boy does this thing look self-published!), anyone can claim to be an expert.
Second, it says it’s a print run of 5,000 copies, with 100 available for pre-order. Is there anything that distinguishes those 100 from the other 4,900? Doesn’t seem so limited to me.
Sorry for my cynicism, but I really don’t want some clever marketing tactic to take advantage of people and their hard-earned money.
Art Cynic.
You must be an older gentleman. There’s nothing wrong with that. You say you’ve never heard of any of them. Who are you? Are you an encyclopedia of contemporary photography?
You seem to NOT be aware of a completely brilliant photography world emerging in New York, America, & Abroad. It’s a photo world being run by young, motivated, engaged people who are now taking control of the ho-hum photo world, as it exists now. It’s thrilling to see a growing photography world exist outside of the white boxes of Chelsea, 57th Street, & the MOMA, where young, emerging, under-represented artists can actually flourish & be seen.
Yeah, they have no ‘clout’ in your eyes, but you ask any young photographer out there what the Humble Arts Foundation is, they will know immediately. How is anyone able to gain ‘clout’ without working on projects like this?
It’s not a marketing tactic; this book features talented young artists putting themselves out there. I’m told they had to put a little bit of their hard-earned money toward it, as the Humble Arts Foundation is a Non-Profit. It’s an investment in their futures. In a world where everyone with a digital camera is a ‘Photographer’ these people stand out from the rest.
Okay, my tirade is over with this quote by Margaret Mead:
‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ‘
PS.
I am not in the book nor am I a part of the Humble Arts Foundation. Just a concerned citizen against empty critiques.
Just to clarify-
100 copies were made available for sale. The other copies are reserved for industry professionals– photo editors, curators, art buyers etc. The only goal of this publication is to extend exposure for some of today’s most talented and deserving emerging art photographers. If you have any further doubts or questions on the validity or quality of the book, please feel free to get in touch with me directly. Also, feel free to do some research on Humble Arts Foundation and the individuals involved in publishing the book.
Thanks,
Jon Feinstein
Curatorial Director
Humble Arts Foundation
Sorry–forgot to post my contact if you have any questions I’m reachable at jon@hafny.org
Hey ArtCynic,
Thanks for posting your views. I am not sure why you take it from a negative stand point. It is certain that the Humble Arts Foundation is doing an outstanding job promoting the work of emerging photographers. The people behind this Foundation have the network and the knowledge to select and curate excellent photography and this book is a reference to work that emerges from up-and-coming photographers. A visual reference is not an encyclopedia. It is a reference to see, collected in a book, work that in ways will define the beginning of future great artists.
Take care,
Miguel
Miguel & Jon – I appreciate the work that Humble Arts does and I like a lot of the photographers and editions you are involved with. My issue is the misleading advertising of this book as a “limited edition” of 100 when it is, in fact, 5000. Also, I think a $50 price is too high. I also don’t like that you call it a “collectors guide.” That is a bit exclusionary of those who are not collectors, and a bit arrogant as well. You should just call it the Humble Arts Guide to Emerging Photography, rather than place the emphasis on sales. Small nitpicking I know, but there has to be some dissent to keep everyone on their toes. Art Cynic
Miguel: Thanks for your support, and for posting about our project. We appreciate it immensely.
ArtCynic: again to clarify–the 100 copies are being made available to the public more as a courtesy from Humble. As this is not a consumer product, we have alotted these 100 copies for sale, but the remaining copies are being distrubuted free of charge (and Humble pays for shipping) to industry professionals who will ideally have some impact on boosting the careers of the participating photographers. $50 is a small fee and I am sure you are aware of the general range in price for art books today–especially for one of this size and quality. If you are aware of other industry guides like LeBook, those are available ONLY to industry professionals, and copies are rarely made available to the non-industry public. I hope that clears up some of the misunderstanding.
As for the title, we stand by it and it ties directly into the goal of the book–that being to get emerging work into the hands of the important and influential industry professionals. We make no claim to exclusive voice, but we sincerely respect your opinion. Again, if you have any additional questions or would like to receive a copy (complimentary if you are a curator/photo editor/ gallerist/collector etc), please feel free to email me at jon@hafny.org