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Tom Sandberg: Photographs

Bob Nickas author Pico Iyer author Tom Sandberg illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Aperture

Published:15th Sep '22

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Tom Sandberg: Photographs cover

This publication highlights the work of Tom Sandberg, a renowned Norwegian photographer known for his striking grayscale images that explore everyday forms and evoke a sense of mystery and stillness.

Tom Sandberg: Photographs is the first significant publication dedicated to one of Norway's most influential photographers. The late Tom Sandberg is celebrated for his distinctive use of a modulating gray scale, which he employed over decades to capture the world through his unique lens. His work often focuses on the shapes and forms of everyday life, presenting dark abstractions of asphalt and sea, the sharp lines of automobiles, and the enigmatic curves of tunnels. Through these images, Sandberg explores the essence of photographic perception, creating subtle yet transformative studies that evoke a sense of mystery.

A perfectionist in the darkroom, Sandberg demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity to the broad spectrum of black and white. His handmade prints, occasionally crafted on materials like aluminum and canvas, possess a striking physical presence that enhances the viewer's experience. Despite his esteemed status in Norway and across Scandinavia and Europe, Sandberg's work remains relatively unknown in the United States and other regions. This monograph serves as a long-overdue tribute to his artistic contributions, produced in close collaboration with the Tom Sandberg Foundation in Oslo.

The book not only highlights Sandberg’s artistic journey but also aims to introduce his exceptional body of work to a broader audience. His photographs are part of prestigious permanent collections, including The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Oslo and the Moderna Museet in Stockholm. Tom Sandberg: Photographs is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in contemporary photography and the exploration of visual perception.

“There’s something close to religious about this ghostly work.…at heart, he’s giving us not just the world but all that cannot be shown and can never be seen.” —Pico Iyer

  • Winner of Anders Jahre’s Culture Award 2010 (Norway)

ISBN: 9781597115155

Dimensions: 292mm x 241mm x 26mm

Weight: 789g

224 pages