Paris Mortel

Johan van der Keuken (1938-2001) moved from Amsterdam to Paris in 1956 to study at the School of Film. He was confronted there with life and man's loneliness. Van der Keuken took thousands of photographs, the city acting as a background to his feelings of desolation. In 1963 a selection of these registrations were published in a book called "Paris mortel" (mortel Paris), a title that reflects the gloomy undertone of the contents of the book. In the book, Van der Keuken attempted to reflect the complexity of the city. The images are precisely placed within this strong, graphic layout, which often manipulates the empty spaces for effect, as much as the photographs themselves. Van der Keuken's decision not to include text (apart from index and credits) gives free rein to the viewer’s imagination.

The pages in french-fold (uncut) double the volume of the book. The dust jacket is made of coloured paper. A very unique photography book and a great example of photography and graphic design in perfect harmony. Wonderfully printed in deep gravure.