There’s something very seductive about Cyclops Press’ latest book, Slightly Dangerous, by writer and photographer John Ogden, which comes with a warning on the cover: “this book contains explicit reference to sex, drugs and rock-n-roll”. But beyond the titillation that a warning always evokes, this book is a work of art in itself that takes the reader on an unorthodox journey through the 1950s until now.
I am a great fan of the printed book, and the opportunity to curl up with this one was anticipated from the moment I saw the early PDFs. This book is a visual and erudite feast that starts with Ogden’s dedication on page one “to all those who stray from the narrow path…” From that moment I was lost in the sharply written prose, the thoughtful observations, and the passion of exploration, discovery, contest and challenge that move the story along and are signposts of a life well lived and lived well beyond the parameters of the norm.
The book is peppered with journal-style entries and photographs taken by Ogden throughout his career. Ogden has had a mixed, and at times lauded, career, but photography and storytelling have always been at his core. In the 1970s he worked as a photojournalist, and also studied anthropology and history. In the 1980s he turned his hand to film and later went on to become an award-winning Director of Photography (DOP) for feature films and documentaries. He also worked in advertising and with MTV. But “riding the gravy train” wasn’t spiritually fulfilling and when he lost an eye to surfing and then went blind in the other due to cataracts, he took it as a sign and decided to embrace something more meaningful. Publishing seemed like a good idea and once he’d had eye surgery and regained his sight, he threw himself into Cyclops Press, which is where he is today.
Legendary photojournalist Tim Page has written the foreword and I couldn’t think of anyone more tuned to the essence of this book. Page’s history most definitely shows that he has lived his life away from “the narrow path”. In his elucidation of Slightly Dangerous he says “This is a life well travelled, of a baby boomer who surfs an existential path across six decades, waxing the best of nostalgia against the odds that are self mitigated by the excesses of those times. It is a heritage of the hippest, most gonzo ‘down-under’ attitudes, rendered by images we all wish we had snapped. As if Hunter S. Thompson and Richard Neville shuffled photo cards with Robert Frank’ian images throughout the deck”.
Sexy, stylish, seductive – the three s’s of success – sums up Slightly Dangerous, a brave, insightful, demanding and ultimately uplifting read that reaffirms that the world would be far less interesting if it weren’t for the likes of John Ogden.
An exhibition of the works contained in the book is also on display until June 2 at Manly Art Gallery and Museum as part of the Head On Photo Festival.
EXHIBITION
Slightly Dangerous
Until 2 June 2013
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly
Australia
