In this unusual book, Marie Préaud has captured the spirit of the Halloween Festival, which was brought to the USA by Irish immigrants in the 19th century, and in the 20th century developed into one of the most important festivals in the country. Over many years, the French photographer has portrayed children during Halloween in Portland, Maine and New York City. This is why Préaud opened her studio here during the usual Halloween trick-or-treating (children dress up and go from door to door asking the residents for sweets). The black background was used deliberately in order to allow the children to leave the bustle of the festival behind them, and to better portray their costume and the associated theatrical role. Préaud’s sensitive eye for physiognomy and details of the costumes reveals a creative impulse, and shows how children lend expression to their imagination through their clothing. While this impulse is often lost by an increasing consumer culture when it comes to children’s toys, and a standardised entertainment industry, it is not rare for the observer to recognise a certain pride in those subjects, who can cast themselves in a certain role and take on another identity. The resulting costumes are astonishingly varied: From an iPod to spaghettis and more classical themes such as skeletons or cowboys, many imaginative ideas are brought to life. With “Halloween”, Marie Préaud has succeeded in capturing on film the fleeting moments of this self-portrayal. Her photographs of children have already won her many awards.
Size 30 x 24,5 cmHardcover146 pages with 65 color and duotone photographsWith a text by Catharine Murray
ISBN 978-3-89823-436-8
19.80 EUR
