Viviane Sassen: Umbra

Umbra is printed on both coated and uncoated semi-gloss paper. Many of the uncoated pages are uncut - two pictures printed on the same page and then folded over at the top. You can lift up the bottom outer corner of the uncut pages. Inside there are poems or more pictures, most in black and white.There are maybe 25 poems - none more than two dozen lines more or less - by Maria Barnas. I assume they were written in English, as no translator is credited. However, her Wikipedia bibliography only shows publications in Dutch. The poems are 'about' shadows or shadowing - being haunted, or followed or perhaps mocked. The feeling of unease and uncertainty.The pictures are perhaps more cryptic. I find I dislike the ones on uncoated paper, which seem undersaturated and hard to make out. Annoying and mocking in a strange way. The semi-gloss prints are more sensual and a relief. Towards the end, there is a full page semi-gloss print of a yellow bucket hanging on a rope over an old tire lying on the ground, improbable in its beauty.There are many pictures of people, their faces are turned away. You can't see their eyes.Quite a remarkable achievement, this book.

Unique !!!

Absolutely love the book!

From Viviane Sassens books I've had a chance too see this is definitely my favourite. Beautifully printed without going over the top with the 'production value', fresh graphic design, personal, intimate .. at least that's how it feels to me.

Gran trabajo de la artista holandesa Viviane Sassen. Gran edición y diseño, un fotolibro imprescindible.