For the past thirty years, the American photographer Bruce Weber has sought to define American glamor. An acute observer, he also has a passion for works directly or indirectly related to photography, all of which have informed his own practice. These “lessons in creativity” have appeared for the past eleven years in the form of books—one each year, designed by Weber himself—and bring together the work of artists, photographers, essayists and figures whose life and work are celebrated. The twelfth volume of the All-American series offers an eclectic array of American talent, from the famous to the virtually unknown. The “lessons” of the book share the story of each contributor, augmented with interviews conducted by Weber. The actor and militant Danny Trejo tells of his path to glory. Polly Mellen speaks of the importance of curiosity throughout her career as a fashion editor. And music producer Nile Rodgers discusses the alchemy behind his hits.
By focusing on the Detroit art scene, Weber tries to bring some light to this city. Although ravaged by the crisis, it has lost none of its creative energy. Also in the collection: a report on the work of Poppy de Villeneuve and Carlos Perez Charlie, unreleased photos by John Derek, poems by Frank O’Hara, and selections by Faith Green, a young writer from Brooklyn. All-American is a kind of scrapbook with something for everyone.
Jonas Cuénin
All-American Volume Twelve: A Book of Lessons
By Bruce Weber
200 pp., Softcover with slipcase
134 color and 144 doutone photographs
Text in English
