Review Here, Sanchez's vividly arresting artworks and text reflect this exquisite "pas de deux," where the bull and the bullfighter trace the lines and forms of their existence with each pass. The accompanying texts by both author and art critic provide what the steps of the bullfight represent as metaphors of our broader relationships between nature and humans. Read more From the Inside Flap The unrivaled drama of bullfighting, with its rigorous combination of athleticism and artistry, and its requisite display of grace under pressure, ignited Hemingway's imagination and inspired him to write his classic work on the subject, "Death in the Afternoon." That same inspiration has taken hold of photographer Ricardo B. Sanchez to create the most unique and elegant record of what is and has always been one of the most controversial "sports" practiced by man. Some contend that bullfighting remains one of the most artful and sophisticated means by which some cultures celebrate the bravery of the hunter. This ancient ritual illustrates the complex relationship between predator and prey, and between culture and nature. Read more See all Editorial Reviews
Z**Z
Blurry !
The photographer, Ricardo Sanchez, chose to use long exposure times. This is to have the bull as a blur to give the feeling of movement. It looks as the photographs are out of focus. All the photographs are long exposures. This is bad technique. This book could have been 5+ stars. The book itself,( the ink, paper and binding), is high quality, too bad the photos are such low quality. A major disappointment, this book is available for sale at a deep discount for a reason.
J**U
Art, Travel, Culture - Beats the Winter Blues
Came across this book through a friend in the book business. I was really impressed. I'm not especially into bullfighting, but I am into modern art (Picasso and Rothko are favs), and I've been wanting to visit Spain ever since finishing The Sun Also Rises. The swatches of color, the cultural background, the passion that vibrates off the page... Bullfighting surprised me. I'd definitely recommend this book and already have a recipient in mind once the holidays kick in. Don't let the subject matter throw you. The images are vibrant and moving enough that it's about the art, the culture, the travel and the romance of Spain itself. A good pick as winter sets in and the outside gets more and more gray.
C**S
Beautiful
Bullfight: The Pas de Deux is an absolutely stunning book, lush and nearly pulsating with energy. I have never seen an actual bullfight and, really, have little interest in doing so, but I do love discovering new facets of old cultures. As much as is revealed about the Spanish traditions, though, is also revealed about movement in art. I would love to frame a few of these images - they remind me to seize color, the canvas and life like (forgive me here) a bull by the horns. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
1 month ago