Binde. 100–10

The publication is dedicated to one of the most prolific Latvian photographers — Gunārs Binde who turned 90 last year. The large amount of text and photography in the book determined a clear and functional approach to its structure. The essays, lengthy interview and photo series were combined into groups, dividing the book into five sections, also using a physical separation with gray signatures on a thicker paper. The publication begins with Binde's photo experiments, printed in silver on black paper, referring to the light-sensitive substance of photographic materials. The aim of this section is to place Binde's photographs in the context of the 21st century. Some of them have never been shown or published, which adds an element of surprise to the publication. The three sections of the book with photographs conceptually represent three themes: 1) "the well-known Binde", which collects nudes, erotic photographs and prominent portraits, 2) "myths and moments", interpreting ideology and religion, the power games, and relations between human and environment, 3) "inner circle", which includes portraits of signature persons in Binde's life and his self-portraits. Due to the large number of photo series, they are indicated in a book with Latin letters. Not all letters are used, since the book includes only a part of the photographer's extensive archive, leaving room for new editions. The texts in two languages are arranged in parallel and supplemented with thumbnailed visual references to large reproductions in the photo sequence. The text section and the section "myths and moments" are printed on bulky uncoated paper stock to ensure better relation to the photo material and easier reading, using two black colors with increased density. The other two sections are printed in four colors on coated paper with glossy varnish to achieve fine reproduction of halftones, while achieving very high contrast, close to the glossy silver photocopies often used in Binde's practice. The edition was printed using a stochastic raster throughout, which provided excellent detailing even for very small images without noticeable raster elements, continuing the analogy of a photocopy. The publication, thanks to the combination of proportions, weight, cover material, and the book's title, turns a large volume into an ironic monument to a living classic, whose work is also characterized by irony and play.