New photo book: Frezno
For the second time this week, The Dumb Drum has given The Beehive stuff to post. (And I'm not just giving this prolific local blog some love because I'm on their next podcast.)
BrodieMash has found "Frezno," a new book by photographer Tony Stamolis, who lives in New York but considers Fresno his stomping grounds. To commemorate his affection, he spent six years creating images that reflect what he sees around town: people with guns; people with tattoos; abandoned fields, buildings and sofas; and, oh yeah, naked girls (I should mention this link to a PDF excerpt is most-def NSFW).
Anyway, this looks great. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about this book. (Mike is working on a print interview with this dude.) In the meantime, you can order "Frezno" on Amazon.
And if you're in New York next week, here's the flyer for the publication party:
To see other photos of Fresno, you can always check out what's new on Fresno Famous' group pool on Flickr.
Comments:
"The central California teenage wasteland is the bane of its inhabitants and the butt of a thousand late night TV jokes. It comes in next to dead last in surveys of cities with a high quality of life.
Though it's one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the country, with a large population of Basques, Hispanics, African Americans, Vietnamese, and Armenians, Fresno is also a killing capitol, home to low-riding cholos, empty buildings, and dope drops. It is also the birthplace of the lauded young photographer Tony Stamolis, whose fascination with his strange hometown provides a disturbing, hilarious, and poignant insider's view of post-suburban American badlands and its inhabitants."
lulz
Posted by: bradley at November 13, 2008 2:18 PM
OMG!!! That old guy in bed with the pretty asian girl was my poetry professor and FSU!
Posted by: MsJoey at November 13, 2008 2:21 PM
i can totally see this turning into a fun game. "i know that weird dude." "i know that naked chick."
Posted by: will at November 13, 2008 2:23 PM
I love this book.
Larry Clark (he of "Kids" fame), filmed part of "Ken Park" in Visalia. I was able to see this (now banned) film at a special screening in LA.
The prelude given by Larry was that these kids he finds and their situations are there, in every mid-sized or above city, if only people would take off their rose-colored glasses and see them.
This book exemplifies that, while at no time claiming this is Fresno the City or Fresno the Community. It's just some of the ugly made beautiful in Fresno.
I'm buying this book.
Posted by: Stephen at November 13, 2008 2:27 PM
I loves me some Fresno! If only I had gone to NY next week instead of last week. Oh well...
Posted by: brodiemash at November 13, 2008 2:41 PM
You know how you can tell this is "art"? Bare breasts. I think that's page one in any art appreciation book.
Actually, he does manage to capture a certain vibe with it. Just may put it down on my X-Mas wish list...
Posted by: John at November 13, 2008 3:22 PM
now there's an idea: stocking stuffer!
Posted by: will at November 13, 2008 3:25 PM
Yup. Dude with the Asian girl is totally Martin Paul. Taught me everything I know about writing he did. I should have been asking him about the ladies apparently.
Posted by: Famous at November 13, 2008 3:34 PM
i've seen the book twice now, a friend of mine bought it @ borders, i think. decent. it was sort of interesting trying to see if you knew anyone (i think i only knew one person).
Posted by: ed at November 13, 2008 6:21 PM
Post a comment
(read the comment policy before posting)