Robert Polidori: Hotel Petra

Mr.Polidori is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest photographers alive today. His large-format camera projects have enchanted me since I first received his spectacular ''Havana'' book as a gift, and his Katrina hurricane disaster project, ''Robert Polidori: After the Flood", is a masterpiece of documentary-as-art photography. My praise for Robert is boundless, and his section of my bookshelf is one that I cherish immensely.This book is perhaps mis-titled in its implication that the photographs will be of the interiors of the Hotel Petra, similar to his ''Havana'' project, when in fact the photographs making up the majority of this book consist of detailed close-ups of the abstract patinas left on the walls of the hotel after years of decay. The pictures are indeed captivating and not to be missed if you wish to see the literally still-living process that is this progression of decomposition. Mr. Polidori's trajectory has been moving in this direction of exploring pattern and texture, with another recent project being a detailed exploration of the construction fabric of a settlement in Mumbai, India.As to be expected, the book itself is another Steidl treasure, with the textured covers hinting at the subject matter within.

The subject matter here is the deteriorating walls of a once grand hotel. The patterns of decay in the various layers of paint and wallpaper are ready made abstract art for the taking, just add an artist with vision and the right light. Polidori is that artist and he uses the light effectively.This is a beautiful book by any standards. Of course Polidori's photos of texture, color and light are beautiful. But the whole presentation of the photos is outstanding. Begin with the weave in the cover texture that adds the sense of touch to the visual experience of the photo. Then open the book and discover each printed page is reminiscent of matte finish high rag content art papers. The images are superbly presented like those displayed on a gallery wall, without caption whatsoever. Only at the end of the book is any context provided, separate from the photos so as not to detract. Really an excellent presentation only slightly diminished by running several photos across the gutters--a practice I find distracting and unnecessary in a book of these dimensions with several subjects repeated in close detail. Despite these reservations, Steidl is to be commended.

Amazing book....both the images and way it is printed. The paper that the photographs are printed on is exquisite. The images have a stunning painterly look. I ordered this book twice more for birthday gifts. Initially I was motivated to buy this book when I read the New Yorker article on Steidl, the inimitable printer (mythology making there alone). Wanting to find a book he had printed I had the great good fortune to see these photographs by Polidori.

I was a bit disappointed that there were so many pictures of crumbling walls and so few of the structure itself, I found the book a bit repetitious.

Robert is one of the best living photographers. Every work by him brings hours and hours of enjoyment. A must have for any photography lover

Loved this book, inspired by the concept and the colours. Wanted it as saw it as a book at Art College. Shame that the copy I ordered arrived damaged and has been returned. I will source another cleaner copy!

The book ordered was brand new in protective cellophane wrapping, as described. However, the carboard used to wrap it was too thin and hence the book arrived bent out of shape....very disappointed!

Beautiful book! Every page is worth framing.