Covering Photography: Imitation, Influence… and Coincidence

Mike Mandel sent me an e-mail recently reminding me to see an exhibition of Boston-based photographer Karl Baden’s Covering Photography collection, now up at the Boston Public Library in their Rare Books and Manuscripts exhibition space. The show, titled “Imitation, Influence… and Coincidence,” highlights books from Karl’s collection that either appropriate or seem to be influenced by famous photographs.

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“Imitation, Influence… and Coincidence” at the Boston Public Library, 2008
© Karl Baden

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BOOK: The Shackle (1976) by Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
PHOTOGRAPH: Lovers, Budapest, 1915 by André Kertész
© Karl Baden

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BOOK: The Road to Wigan Pier (1956) by George Orwell
PHOTOGRAPH: Three Generations of Welsh Miners, 1950 by Eugene Smith
© Karl Baden

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BOOK: La Bâtarde (1976) by Violette Leduc
PHOTOGRAPH: Lovers Quarrel, 1936 by Brassaï
© Karl Baden

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BOOK: Caddie Woodlawn (1970) by Carol Ryrie Brink
PHOTOGRAPH: Lucille Burroughs, 1936 by Walker Evans
© Karl Baden

You can read more about the collection and see more sample displays from the exhibition here. But if you’re in Boston, I highly recommend seeing it person. The show will be up until December 31st.