Survivors A New Vision Of Endangered Wildlife - Hardcover

Balog, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810939088 ISBN 13: 9780810939080

Publisher: CRC Press, 1991

Synopsis

Photographs of animals in captivity make use of unconventional poses and backgrounds to highlight the plight of endangered species

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

According to photographer Balog, the future for the survivors of some 900 currently endangered species will be captivity, "the twilight zone of zoos." His striking, artfully manipulated portraits call attention to that sad possibility by posing animals far from their native habitats and contexts, and by using the techniques and slick concepts of commercial photography. Each subject receives "star" treatment: an Asian elephant assumes a cheesecake position poolside; a mandrill sitting on a stool looks like an invention of Vogue . Accompanying each shot is information on the animal. The very artificiality of Balog's backdrops--white screens, painted walls, complex theatrical sets--eloquently emphasizes what the elegant creatures may soon lose: their natures. The spectacle of this is jarring; yet one can't help but giggle at the sight of a sea turtle belly-up on a cushion or the fearlessly close-up view of a rhino's rear.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

This book represents award-winning photographer Balog's nontraditional look at wildlife and the impact humanity has had on other species. In an attempt to contrast our illusions of animals' living an idyllic existence "surrounded by glorious vistas, exquisite plant life, and technicolor sunsets" with their real future in zoos and circuses, he portrays 60 endangered species in surreal and unnatural environments. While patrons with an appreciation for photography as an art might enjoy these portraits, others may get bored with pictures of animals draped in white sheets. The brief text accompanying each photo provides little information of value. Although not recommended for public libraries or general readers, this volume may interest specialized libraries with an in-depth collection of photography books.
- Edell Marie Peters, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0810939088
• ISBN 13: 9780810939080
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160