Romanitas by John Kippin
'Buildings embody ideological aims and reflect the value systems of those with the power to plan... they are key cultural and political indicators of their time.' So writes photographer John Kippin in his latest book. A perspective he explores in a stunning series of more than 100 carefully composed, powerfully perceptive images of Mussolini's fascist Romanitas project in Rome. A brutal conception of power, marginalising women and celebrating masculinity and aggression. In four accompanying essays, his perspective is extended to the examine the architecture of contemporary London, Europe and North America. John Kippin is Emeritus Professor of Photography at the University of Sunderland. He lives on the island of North Uist in Scotland. Thread-sewn, OTA binding, with flaps. Cover: Callisto Pearl 250gsm. Text: Munken Polar Rough 120gsm.
This is a typically intelligent and ruminative major body of work by a highly regarded, established and prolific practitionerRomanitas is the result of several years of observation resulting in over a hundred understated but eloquent photographs, which are underpinned by salient scholarly texts by respected academics - including the author.
Robin Gillanders, Honorary Fellow, Napier University, Edinburgh. Co-editor, Studies in Photography.
One reason I so admire the works of John Kippin is that he successfully manages the tussle between three distinct elements of a photographic study – the craft and imagination brought to the making of each individual picture; the clear integration and articulation of the social and cultural ideas with a picture; and the deft translation of both these elements in a whole cohesive body of work. In Romanitas he has branched away from much of his previous work, to photograph in black and white rather than in colour, and to take his focus away from Britain, to the neo-classical architecture of post-fascist Italy, and he has done so to produce a remarkable book full of photographs long to dwell over.
Jem Southam, Emeritus Professor, School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Plymouth
In picturing Rome, John Kippin draws attention to the continuing presence, resonance and symbolic power of fascist architecture and imperial era monuments. As always, a set of astute observations that invite critical reflection.
Liz Wells, Writer/Curator. Emeritus Professor in Photographic Culture, University of Plymouth.
Robin Gillanders, Honorary Fellow, Napier University, Edinburgh. Co-editor, Studies in Photography.
One reason I so admire the works of John Kippin is that he successfully manages the tussle between three distinct elements of a photographic study – the craft and imagination brought to the making of each individual picture; the clear integration and articulation of the social and cultural ideas with a picture; and the deft translation of both these elements in a whole cohesive body of work. In Romanitas he has branched away from much of his previous work, to photograph in black and white rather than in colour, and to take his focus away from Britain, to the neo-classical architecture of post-fascist Italy, and he has done so to produce a remarkable book full of photographs long to dwell over.
Jem Southam, Emeritus Professor, School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Plymouth
In picturing Rome, John Kippin draws attention to the continuing presence, resonance and symbolic power of fascist architecture and imperial era monuments. As always, a set of astute observations that invite critical reflection.
Liz Wells, Writer/Curator. Emeritus Professor in Photographic Culture, University of Plymouth.
John Kippin is Emeritus Professor of Photography at the University of Sunderland. Born in London (1950), he lives and works in North Uist, Scotland.
His work is held many public collections, including Arts Council England, British Council, English Heritage, Ferens Art Gallery, Laing Art Gallery, National Media Museum, National Museum of Scotland, Side Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum and the University of the Arts.
His work is held many public collections, including Arts Council England, British Council, English Heritage, Ferens Art Gallery, Laing Art Gallery, National Media Museum, National Museum of Scotland, Side Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum and the University of the Arts.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781912528448 |
| ISBN 10 | 1912528444 |
| Title | Romanitas |
| Author | John Kippin |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | MuseumsEtc |
| Year published | 2025-03-01 |
| Number of pages | 148 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |