Viviane Sassen: Umbra

Accompanying a solo exhibition, this lavishly illustrated, oversized book consists mostly of color reproductions of photos taken by acclaimed photographer Sassen. It explores the common theme of umbra, or shadow, in her works: for the artist, shadow serves as a metaphor for an array of themes and symbols, including anxiety and desire and memory and hope for the future. Her images may be characterized by the interplay between realism and abstraction, dramatic use of light, shadow, and color, as well by croppings and interventions. Set alongside 11 poems by the Dutch writer, poet, and artist Maria Barnas, which similarly examine shadow and may make reference to particular images in Sassen's photographs, this publication lacks other critical documentation and commentary pertaining to the artist's life, works, and career. Devoid of more analytical content, it is almost entirely a visual and poetic presentation pertaining to a particular theme.