Helene Binet

Hélène Binet is a French photographer who has captured contemporary and historical architecture over forty years. This monograph includes two critical essays that explore her background, approach to photography, and archive. Martino Stierli discusses her work within the conceptual framework of architectural photography, highlighting her desire to translate spatial phenomena into the two-dimensional space of the image and her quest to articulate the modulation of light on a surface. The catalogue of her work is framed within a series of recurring themes that emerged through dialogues between the authors and the photographer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2024
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

Over the course of forty years, Hélène Binet has captured a diverse range of architectural styles, from contemporary structures to historical landmarks. This comprehensive monograph presents her entire body of work, accompanied by two extensive critical essays. Marco Iuliano delves into Hélène Binet's background, tracing her journey from her childhood in the picturesque Italian fishing village of Sperlonga to her formative years in Rome. He highlights her early encounter with architectural photographer Lucien Hervé, as well as other significant influences such as her collaborations with renowned architects Daniel Libeskind, John Hejduk, and her connections at the Architectural Association (AA) in London, where she met Zaha Hadid.

The essay delves into Hélène Binet's approach to photography, showcasing her meticulous process and extensive archive. Martino Stierli then contextualizes Binet's work within the realm of architectural photography, exploring whether an architectural photograph serves as a mere inventory of a building or space, a translation into a two-dimensional image, or rather, an image in its own right. Stierli argues that Binet's oeuvre oscillates between two central obsessions: a desire to translate spatial phenomena into the two-dimensional realm of the image and a quest to articulate the nuanced modulation of light on a surface.

Following these insightful essays, the monograph presents a comprehensive catalog of Binet's work, organized around a series of recurring themes that emerged through dialogues between the authors and the photographer. Each image is accompanied by detailed captions, providing insights into the creative process and the architectural significance of each composition.

In conclusion, Hélène Binet: Forty Years of Architecture Photography offers a captivating journey through the lens of one of the most celebrated architectural photographers of our time. Through her meticulous attention to detail, innovative approach, and profound understanding of the architectural landscape, Binet has created a body of work that showcases the beauty, complexity, and historical significance of buildings around the world. This monograph serves as a testament to her talent and dedication, and provides a valuable resource for architects, photographers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 1164g
Dimension: 246 x 290 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848225947