In 2015, artist, photographer, and gallery owner Regina Anzenberger embarked on a transformative journey to India, drawn by the allure of a land steeped in tales of wonder and contradiction. Having listened to countless stories from fellow travelers, she harbored a deep curiosity about how she would perceive this land of stark contrasts. Inspired by childhood memories of literary classics like “The Jungle Book” and “One Thousand and One Nights,” both set in India, Anzenberger’s interest grew. From the moment she set foot on Indian soil, the chaos and spontaneity of the surroundings captivated her, igniting a quest to uncover the underlying structures and forms amidst the apparent disorder.
Much like her previous works, Anzenberger’s latest endeavor delves into the contrast of order and chaos, imperfection and perfection, human intervention and untamed wilderness, weaving a narrative that transcends mere observation to the essence of her experience.
In the book “Imperfections”, Anzenberger invites readers to join her on her captivating journey through the heart of India, which unveils a tapestry of contradictions and beauty that define the enigmatic land India is. Reflecting on her trip, Anzenberger reveals the allure of the country steeped in mythology and mystique, where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.
As she embarked on her journey through India, Anzenberger found herself enveloped in a world of contrasts – a kaleidoscope of chaos and improvisation that echoed the themes of her acclaimed photo series, Roots & Bonds. “Arriving in the middle of the night, I did not see so much of the area on the way from the airport to the city, but what I could see, somehow actually uncannily made me think of my photo series, Roots & Bonds. For that project, I searched for structures and forms within the chaos of the woods. The only difference there in India was that it was not only the woods but the entire landscape that seemed to be in a state of chaos and improvisation,” she explains. “It was a veritable paradise for my eyes.”
India is a country of stark contrasts. People who come back from a journey there tell me the best or the worst stories about it. I was not sure how I would react to being there myself.
Drawing from childhood memories of literary classics, the creative’s journey was imbued with a sense of wonder and anticipation. “India is a country of stark contrasts. People who come back from a journey there tell me the best or the worst stories about it. I was not sure how I would react to being there myself.” she reflects.
Inspired by a rare edition of Paris De Nuit from the 1930s by French photographer Brassai, Anzenberger sought to replicate the essence and style of the book. “Of course, it was not as easy as I thought to do a book the same as 100 years ago… materials and processes were different at the time. We had to make small adjustments,” she explains.
The glossy cellophane and spiral binding are a nod to the craftsmanship of the Paris De Nuit. “I tried to choose a paper which comes as close as possible. And that was the Munken Pure Rough. We chose 170 g/m2 because of the spiral binding. The paper had to be stronger than for a bounded book.” Anzenberger reveals. ” ‘Imperfections was offset printed. In my previous books, I have printed on a Komori HUV with a UV dryer and with UV inks. For this one, I went back and I printed it on an older Heidelberg. My pictures look to have more contrasts and are stronger. The book smells of the oil and colors. I like that”, Anzenberger concludes.
You can purchase a copy of the first edition here or a collector’s edition that comes with a signed print here.
Images © Regina Anzenberger