Book: Narcissus by Magnum's Stuart Franklin
Magnum photographer Stuart Franklin has spent the last three decades speeding around the globe, from Tiananmen Square during the 1989 demonstrations to Kiev for Wallpaper* in 2006 (W*94). But his latest venture was about staying put. Taken within just a few metres of his cabin in Norway, the hypnotic photographs that make up his new book, Narcissus, examine the way we search for our own image in nature. An extremely personal project for the photographer, Narcissus is only available for a few weeks (until 30th November). For 20 quick-off-the-mark Wallpaper* readers, Franklin will sign the book and offer a free limited edition print of 'Narcissus moonlight I' (below).
'The book is actually a first iteration - a way of laying down an idea that will grow into two exhibitions in 2012,' says Franklin, a co-owner and former president of Magnum. 'It's about the way nature - the landscape - can become mediated through photography to settle as an echo of ourselves: our thoughts, our emotions, our hopes and our fears.'
Reflected in the surface of a fjord and rotated from landscape to portrait, a mountain reads like a bishop in full religious robes. 'I took it in the moonlight, while in my dressing gown. It was the best way to get the right light on the mountain,' he explains. The meditative stillness of the landscape is also palpable in these extraordinary photographs.
Narcissus is the latest in a series of books by the photographer, two of which were born out of Wallpaper* features, including Hotel Afrique and Footprint: Europe's Changing Landscape. The new tome is available until 30th November from Blurb for £99.95. But, for the same price, 20 quick-off-the-mark Wallpaper* readers can get a signed copy plus a limited edition print of 'Narcissus moonlight I' by Franklin by emailing narcissusbook@gmail.com before 6pm on 30th November.
Please note: Wallpaper.com takes no responsibility for orders placed with external websites.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Malaika Byng is an editor, writer and consultant covering everything from architecture, design and ecology to art and craft. She was online editor for Wallpaper* magazine for three years and more recently editor of Crafts magazine, until she decided to go freelance in 2022. Based in London, she now writes for the Financial Times, Metropolis, Kinfolk and The Plant, among others.
-
Tech Editor, Jonathan Bell, selects six new and notable Bluetooth speaker designs, big, small and illuminating
These six wireless speakers signal new creative partnerships and innovative tech approaches in a variety of scales and styles
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
As London’s V&A spotlights Mughal-era design, Santi Jewels tells of its enduring relevance
‘The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence’ is about to open at London’s V&A. Here, Mughal jewellery expert and Santi Jewels founder Krishna Choudhary tells us of the influence the dynasty holds today
By Hannah Silver Published
-
London bar Bauhaus Warehaus is a factory by day, drinking den by night
Mixologist of the moment Remy Savage shakes up the world of cocktail-making with a hardworking sibling to A Bar with Shapes for a Name, his Bauhaus-inspired bar enterprise in east London
By Neil Ridley Published
-
‘Gas Tank City’, a new monograph by Andrew Holmes, is a photorealist eye on the American West
‘Gas Tank City’ chronicles the artist’s journey across truck-stop America, creating meticulous drawings of fleeting moments
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
'I’m So Happy You Are Here': discover the work of Japanese women photographers
Subtitled ‘Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now’, this new monograph from Aperture is a fascinating insight into a critically overlooked body of work
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
How the west won: Ivan McClellan is amplifying the intrepid beauty of Black cowboy culture
In his new book, 'Eight Seconds: Black Cowboy Culture', Ivan McClellan draws us into the world of Black rodeo. Wallpaper* meets the photographer ahead of his Juneteenth Rodeo
By Tracy Kawalik Published
-
‘Package Holiday 1968-1985’: a very British love affair in pictures
‘Package Holiday’ recalls tans, table tennis and Technicolor in Trevor Clark’s wistful snaps of sun-seeking Brits
By Caragh McKay Published
-
‘Art Exposed’: Julian Spalding on everything that’s wrong with the art world
In ‘Art Exposed’, Julian Spalding draws on his 40 years in the art world – as a museum director, curator, and critic – for his series of essays
By Alfred Tong Published
-
Marisol Mendez's ‘Madre’ unpicks the woven threads of Bolivian womanhood
From ancestry to protest, how Marisol Mendez’s 'Madre' is rewriting the narrative of Bolivian womanhood
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Photo book explores the messy, magical mundanity of new motherhood
‘Sorry I Gave Birth I Disappeared But Now I’m Back’ by photographer Andi Galdi Vinko explores new motherhood in all its messy, beautiful reality
By Hannah Silver Published
-
The best contemporary art books to enjoy now
From maverick memoirs to topical tomes, turn over a new leaf with the Wallpaper* arts desk’s pick of new releases and all-time favourite art books
By Hannah Silver Last updated