Embrace (ASSOCIATION COPY)

Eikoh Hosoe
Embrace (ASSOCIATION COPY)

Photographs: Eikoh Hosoe

Text: Yukio Mishima

Publisher: Shashin Hyoron-Sha

96 pages

Pictures: 58

Year: 1971

Comments: Hard cover with jacket and slipcase and obi. Edition original, black and white photographs reproduced in a rich gravure. Slipcase is a bit damaged, a few stains on the first pages otherwise a great copy. Nicely inscribed by Eikoh Hosoe to Famous American photograph Ralph Gibson in 1971 the year of the publication! For Ralph Gibson with my admiration Eikoh Hosoe 1971.

Eikoh Hosoe’s fourth book Embrace (Hoyo – 抱擁) is a visual continuation of his 1961-published title Man and Woman (Otoko to onna).
The images are of the human body in a very simple studio setting, in front of white, black or grey looking backdrops. Sometimes overexposed to enhance and emphasize the graphic shapes of embracing bodies in front of Eikoh Hosoe’s camera. Very rich black and white printing. A beautifully produced book.

Andreas H. Bitesnich