Book: The Noir A-Z
English photographer Julian Hibbard offers an adult take on the alphabet book in The Noir A-Z. Replacing whimsical sketches of kids in letter shape with provocative pairings of word and image, Hibbard has concocted a dark and voyeuristic vision. An element of risqué and danger consumes each letter, tying the images into a loose narrative.
The images are sexy. They are also just complex enough to pull emotional strings through an easily read composition. O for 'observed', for example, seduces the reader into spying on an innocent woman. In many of the images Hibbard manages to tie the reader to the scene as active participant and not simply observer. That, in part, is the art of Noir A-Z. And, in full, the fun of the book.
Hibbard's work has been in exhibited in London, Scotland, Santiago de Chile, New York and Los Angeles. He has been honored at the 2008 International Photography Awards and was given an ASME Award in 2007. The Noir A-Z is published by Mark Batty Publisher.
Nick Schonberger
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
The moments fashion met art at the 60th Venice Biennale
The best fashion moments at the 2024 Venice Biennale, with happenings from Dior, Golden Goose, Balenciaga, Burberry and more
By Jack Moss Published
-
Crispin at Studio Voltaire, in Clapham, is a feast for all the senses
New restaurant Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest opening from the brains behind Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin, with interiors by Jermaine Gallagher
By Billie Brand Published
-
Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe goes up for sale in landmark Christie’s auction
The proceeds of ’Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection’, running this June, will go to the charitable causes she championed during her lifetime
By Jack Moss Published
-
Anne Imhof ‘Avatar II’ review: a psychological thriller to make you wince and wonder
German artist Anne Imhof’s ‘Avatar II’ exhibition at London’s Sprüth Magers is a compelling, uncanny probing of contemporary culture, reality and artifice
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
‘Light & Space’ at Copenhagen Contemporary: ‘moving art without moving elements’
On view until 4 September, epic group show ‘Light & Space’ explores the past and present of the iconic light and installation art movement. It’s physical, emotional, bodily and disorientating
By Jeni Porter Last updated
-
Manifesta 14: an unflinching look at Kosovo’s fraught history and ambitious future
In Prishtina, nomadic biennial Manifesta 14 draws on the past and future of Kosovo through ambitious art and staggering architecture
By Hili Perlson Last updated
-
Documenta 15 review: social practice, controversy and food for thought
Mired in evolving controversy, Documenta 15 has raised critical questions about transparency, accountability and creative freedom. Emily McDermott travels to Kassel to explore how an edition filled with social practice art urges active participation and throws global power structures into sharp relief
By Emily McDermott Last updated
-
‘Worldbuilding’ exhibition review: a trip through the uncanny valley of art and gaming
Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, ‘Worldbuilding: Gaming and Art in the Digital Age’ at the Julia Stoschek Collection, Düsseldorf, explores how artists can embrace and subvert the visual language and culture of video games
By Will Jennings Last updated
-
Frieze New York 2022: activism, NFT action, and stellar shows around town
To mark the tenth-anniversary edition of Frieze New York (18 – 22 May), we’ve compiled a guide to the most exciting happenings inside and outside The Shed
By Tilly Macalister-Smith Last updated
-
Review: Larry Bell saturates senses and bends perception at Hauser & Wirth London
At Hauser & Wirth London, iconic Light and Space artist Larry Bell is testing the limits of optical and spatial reality in new glass installations. The show coincides with the artist’s major exhibition at Dia Beacon, New York
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
An intoxicating Whitney Biennial bets big on abstraction, identity and super-sharp video
In the planning stage since 2019, when the world was a very different place, the 80th Whitney Biennial will run until 6 September 2022
By Nick Compton Last updated