Erik Kessels: In Almost Every Picture

When I was in New York last week, I visited Aperture with Michael. The Matthew Sleeth show that was up was pretty interesting in itself but I think both Michael and I were drawn to the Erik Kessels exhibit entitled In Almost Every Picture.

In Almost Every Picture is an idiosyncratic collection of found images from three volumes in the cult classic book series of the same title. The Spanish Woman features photographs taken by a husband of his wife during the years 1956–1968; Twins features pictures of two sisters, who always appear dressed in identical outfits, taken in Europe during the 1940s; in Dalmatian, a beloved dog and her owner grow old together while walking through various European locations; and Taxi is comprised of photographs taken by a taxi driver of his car and passenger at different “holiday spot” locations.

The collections that Kessels brings together all contain an intriguing back story. And the motivation is very specific, often obsessive on part of the photographer. (from “In Almost Every Picture”) © Erik Kessels(from “In Almost Every Picture”) © Erik Kessels(from “In Almost Every Picture”) © Erik Kessels(from “In Almost Every Picture”) © Erik Kessels Kessels, the Dutch art director behind KesselsKramer, has been producing In Almost Every Picture as individual books for some time, all of which are sold out now. Fortunately, Aperture just released a limited edition box set of these books: In Almost Every Picture: Volumes One to Five. Find out more here and here.