Why is that smoke yellow?

This collaborative work by Joachim Brohm and Valentina Seidel pays homage to Antonioni's film, offering a fresh perspective through photography.

In Why Is That Smoke Yellow?, Joachim Brohm and Valentina Seidel explore the interplay between photography and film through a unique lens. This collaborative work serves as a tribute to Michelangelo Antonioni's iconic film Il deserto rosso, capturing the essence of the original while infusing it with contemporary perspectives. The authors have meticulously documented their surroundings in Ravenna, the city where Antonioni's film was shot, creating a visual dialogue that resonates with the themes of the movie.

The photographs taken in 2014-15 offer a fresh interpretation of the landscapes and urban environments depicted in the 1963-64 film. Each image reflects not only the physical space but also the emotional and psychological undertones that Antonioni masterfully conveyed. Brohm and Seidel's work invites readers to engage with the familiar yet transformed scenes, prompting a deeper reflection on the passage of time and the evolution of artistic expression.

Why Is That Smoke Yellow? ultimately bridges the gap between past and present, illustrating how art can transcend generations. Through their lens, the authors encourage viewers to consider the layers of meaning in both the film and their own experiences, making this book a thought-provoking addition to the discourse on visual culture and cinematic history.