Beijing: Contemporary and Imperial

As a long time lover of Lois Conner's work, I have been eagerly awaiting this book. It didn't disappoint. It is beautifully produced- the reproductions are lush and give voice to the richness of the information captured by the large format camera she uses. Most importantly, the selection and sequencing of the images presents Beijing like I had never seen it before. Over the past three decades, Ms Conner has travelled there repeatedly, capturing the city as it has undergone a change more radical than any other city probably has in history. From the dynastic past to the modern Olympic structures, Ms Conner finds a way to tell a story that will find resonance with any viewer. Whether you know this city or not, these images speak to our times and the challenge to maintain our identity in a period of rapidly shifting cultural landscape. Much like the city that inspired them, these photographs are multifaceted and complicated. At once classical and modern, they are made with a clear knowledge of the history of her medium and a passion for it's future. This book will be one that I revisit often.

beautiful book

Quietly Poetic yet epic in scope. 90+ images with a few double wide images and a few triple wide gate-folds. Extensive essay and captions. Thick paper.