This is an exquisite work, encompassed in less than 100 pages and chronicling snapshots of the life of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide. In deference to the black and white photography that is the signature of Señora Iturbide, this biography is illustrated in grayscale.

For me, this book is mesmerizing in the succinct narrative that accompanies the graphics, which simultaneously invites introspection while delivering metaphysical treasures. It is as though the reader is both the template and the imprint borne from it. In spite of this book’s brevity, the author and illustrator were able to distill and transfigure Señora Iturbide’s philosophy and worldview, and give form to an abstraction – not unlike a captured photograph within a frame – and did so magnificently.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2237036285

A poetic and dream-like journey through the personal history and photographs of Graciela Iturbide, a famous photographer in Mexico.

There's an emphasis on Graciela's fascination with birds, and how her thoughts on flight and wings inspired and influenced much of her work. There's an ethereal feeling to each page, with drawings showing both the photographer and reproductions of her photographs.

I loved the importance of heritage and cultural identity in the story, since Graciela is best known for her photographs showing Mexican life. There is some dialogue and basic words in Spanish, so you might benefit from knowing just a little Spanish, but it's not necessary to understand the book. I am fluent in Spanish, but some of the words were slang that I didn't know, and I had to look up some of them. I appreciate that this adds to the rich cultural feel of the book, but I wish the words had been explained or translated somewhere so that the beautiful language and culture could be accessible to more people.

I guess I was expecting more of a story, but this was more like a exposition of her photographs, the places she traveled to take photos, and the other artists who influenced her work. I would have enjoyed it more if it had told a story, a drama, about her life. Her family is very briefly mentioned, but I wish there had been more story-telling.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

This is a wonderful introduction to the very important Mexican artist/photographer, Graciela Iturbide. Ms Iturbide committed herself to immersion in place and culture. Her photographs capture and share the spirit from her remarkable journeys. They are surreal, beautiful and evocative. The graphic novel is beautifully written. The illustrations appear to be rotoscoped, a technique that clearly shows a connection with Ms Iturbide’s remarkable memory imagery, but which lacks the visceral punch of the photographs. Illustrating the book in this manner demonstrates how the artistic and poetic power of the photographs transcends literal description. A must read for lovers of fine photography and Mexico.

Stunning and magnificent portrayal of a stunning and magnificent person.

One and a half stars. This biography of a Mexican photographer didn't convince me as to how special her work was, and what's worse, was written as a prime contender for Pseud's Corner.

Photographic is a layout of Graciela Iturbide's childhood background, her past works, and the philosophy behind how and why she takes pictures.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Photographers, writers, painters, and other creatives can benefit from a master photographer's insights about her motivations, how she sees, and her work preparation.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
Learning about what drives us is a lifelong occupation. However, elderly artists have more experience and more valuable things to say about this since they've come way up the road. It is a privilege to catch a glimpse how Graciela perceives herself in relation to she photographs. For me, it is clear see why she's had a long career and still keeps going despite her age.

.......

Photographic: The Life Of Graciela Iturbide by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Pena is available to buy from on all major online bookstores.

Many thanks to Getty Publications for review copy.

A short professional biography of photographer Graciela Iterbide. The use of graphic format alongside Iturbide's photographs is haunting. An interesting look at an artist that I was unfamiliar with before picking up this volume.

Isabel Quintero and Zeke Pena have come up with a clever application of the graphic novel form - an account of the life of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide. Iturbide is known for her work capturing the lives of indigenous people, and also her empathy with birds.

This short book includes many reproductions of Iturbide's photos and sets out the circumstances in which some notable works were created, as well as exploring Graciela's philosophy and process. The book sticks to black-and-white, reflecting its subject's preferences. The illustrations are well done and evocative of the work that they celebrate, but the accompanying text gets a bit over the top at times. I'm afraid that I find the "Dear Reader" style clunky and twee.

I think, though, that my major quibble about this book is that I would have liked it to be longer and to go into more detail about Iturbide, who is a really fascinating subject.

This is the biography of a photographer, Graciela Iturbide. The graphic style of this book matches her art style perfectly. The illustrations are beautiful and the authentically portrays the places Graciela photographs.

The fascinating life that Graciela lived and her goals to capture the souls of the world was really moving and inspiring. Especially for young women and women who feel like their lives need some changes. I feel like this might give them the courage to peruse their dreams.

This makes a great gift to women and aspiring photographers.

With lyrical words from Isabel Quintero, insightful illustrations by Zeke Pena, and striking photos from Graciela Iturbide, this book impresses with how it illuminates this radical trailblazer's path!