Vann Powell
Vann T. Powell
Points of entry
Soft Cover
Published by Benschop
2022
About the Book:
Made in the Mexican State of Oaxaca, Points of Entry is equal parts travelogue and observational documentary. Points of Entry captures the rich landscape and cultural center of the Oaxacan region.
Book review by Dana Stirling |
The Oaxacan region, located in southern Mexico, is a captivating tapestry of cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty. Renowned for its vibrant indigenous traditions, Oaxaca boasts a diverse population that celebrates languages, crafts, and culinary joy. Oaxaca is also famous for its mezcal production. The landscape itself is diverse, ranging from the lush valleys and mountains to the rugged coastline of the Pacific. This region encapsulates the heart and soul of Mexico, offering a unique and immersive experience for those who seek to uncover its multifaceted allure.
I am writing this not from experience but from some of the research I briefly did online about this region in order to understand it more in relation to this book.
In this book and images, Vann Powell explores this place as, in his words, equal parts travelogue and observational documentary. This book feels like a journey to a place that the artist in exploring alongside us, as we are all taking this trip to a new place and learning about it together. Exploring it’s rich culture, unique landscape and capturing sweet and memorable of human interactions.
Photographing in a foreign land, where nature, people, and culture intertwine, offers a lens through which one can capture the essence of a place as an outsider. The lens becomes a bridge, allowing the photographer to engage deeply with the surroundings and document the nuances that might escape other’s eyes.
Exploring nature in a new environment provides an opportunity to seize the unfamiliar beauty of landscapes, discovering the unique flora and fauna that characterize the region. The lens becomes a translator, turning the landscape into visual poetry.
The lens serves not only to document but to interpret, offering viewers a fresh outlook on the intersection of the natural world and human life. Through photography, one can weave a visual story that transcends linguistic barriers, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intricacies of a place unknown. It is in this exchange between the photographer and the new environment that the true magic of exploration and photography unfolds.
With a whimsical eye and a touch of humor, Vann captures the charm in the everyday fabric of life. Through the lens, mundane scenes become moments of delight, revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The beauty of employing a snapshot on the cover of a book, cradled within the four corners as if it were a cherished memento in a scrapbook or photo album, lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and intimacy. This visual choice transforms the book into a personal journey, inviting readers to embark on a narrative that feels like a collection of memories rather than mere words on a page. The corners holding the snapshot serve as anchors, reminiscent of the tactile experience of flipping through the pages of a well-loved album. It not only hints at the stories within but also suggests a deep connection between the reader and the content, as if they are flipping through the pages of their own past. This design choice transcends the traditional boundaries of a book cover, transforming it into a gateway to moments frozen in time, beautifully encapsulating the essence of the narrative within.
