Portraits by Kate Friend: As Chosen By...

As Chosen By... is a photographic series by Kate Friend that features portraits of flowers or plants chosen by notable public figures or creatives, recast through their botanical alter egos. The series is shot on medium format film in natural light at the sitters' homes, studios, or gardens, with a colored background selected by Friend based on the aesthetic of the chosen flower and the character of the sitter. The book is lavishly illustrated and includes an introduction by Olivia Laing and an in-depth essay by Garden Museum Director Christopher Woodward.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2023
Publisher: Ridinghouse

As Chosen By… is a captivating photographic series by Kate Friend, meticulously captured solely on medium format film. Within these portraits, Friend's 'sitters' take the form of flowers or plants, each one carefully selected by a renowned public figure or creative who is then reimagined through their botanical alter ego. Friends' approach to the creation of this series is rigorous, with a single flower and vessel chosen by an individual being shot in natural light at their home, studio, or garden. Each photograph serves as a captivating portrait of both a place and a person, with the colored background carefully selected by Friend, guided by both the aesthetic appeal of the chosen flower and a deeper intuitive understanding of her sitters' character. While the methodology is concise and consistent, the resulting variety of images is a testament to the diverse range of unique personalities included in the project. Lavishly illustrated throughout, featuring numerous behind-the-scenes images taken by Friend throughout her process, the book includes an introduction by writer Olivia Laing and an in-depth essay by Garden Museum Director Christopher Woodward.

The diverse range of sitters for this series is truly remarkable. Anjelica Huston, Sir Paul Smith, Kulapat Yantrasast, Piet Oudolf, Luciano Giubbilei, Ai Weiwei, Claudia Schiffer, Tom Stuart-Smith, Yinka Ilori, Simone Rocha, Tania Compton, Georgie Hopton, Olivia Laing, Sue Stuart-Smith, Jamie Compton, Fernando Caruncho, Amanda Feilding, Ron Finley, Maggi Hambling, Polly Nicholson, Olivia Harrison, Dan Pearson, Penny Rimbaud, Margot Henderson, Duncan Grant, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Bethan Wood, Isabella Tree, Juergen Teller, Charlie McCormick, Molly Goddard, Jeremy Lee, Margaret Howell, Alys Fowler, John Pawson, Amanda Harlech, and many others have all graced the pages of this captivating project.

Friend's artistic vision shines through in each photograph, as she skillfully captures the essence of both the chosen flower and the sitter's personality. The backgrounds, carefully selected to complement the floral subject, add depth and character to the images, creating a visually stunning and thought-provoking series. As Chosen By… is a testament to the power of photography to capture the beauty of nature, the individuality of people, and the connections between them. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art of portraiture and the natural world.

Weight: 1160g
Dimension: 240 x 277 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909932791