PHOTOGRAPHY ZINES AND BOOKS NO: 53
TokyoGirls°1 by Richard Lee
Who?
Richard Lee is a Tokyo based American photographer. He has been around for quite sometime as I always pleasantly bump into him at events over the decades. His work revolves around identity and the modern persona.
What?
Although this is the first installment of his zine series (second is on the way), he has exhibited under this title before with a completely different set of photos. All together the series explores the emergence of savvy millennial girls in the dynamic and rapidly evolving city.
Why?
They say the history of art is men gazing at women and on its surface this is what the project appears to be. So I will let the photographer explain it:
“In essence, the “Tokyo Girls” project isn’t just about capturing women in Tokyo; it’s a deep dive into the fascination with identity itself. I am intrigued by the authenticity of personas, and question if the image presented aligns with the true self. It’s not just about what meets the eye; it’s a thoughtful exploration of how external appearances relate to inner desires. As I engage with the subjects in the portraits, I can’t help but reflect on the genuine nature of the personas captured, sparking a contemplation of the complex relationship between how we present ourselves and who we truly are.”
Details.
Edition: Open, numbered and signed
Format: Softcover with dust jacket, perfect binding
Pages: 68 pages, black and white
Printing: Tokyo, Japan
Publisher: Erin Cross
Size: 21 x 14.85cm (A5)
Where?
This zine can be purchased from the Ephemere gallery website here for 20 USD.
Journal 3-5 by Mathew Fleming
Who?
Matthew Fleming is a UK based photographer. Photographing from a young age, he specializes in 35mm photography…largely within the travel genre and various other projects for his personal work. He has also been featured heavily on the site throughout the years, check out his Get Featured here from 2016.
What?
His series of zines that he best summarized with the title, “Journal.” As the title suggests, it is journal style of photography, well edited, capturing the scenes he comes across…under a theme. Journal #3 takes place in Prague winter, shot over two trips; while Journal #4 sees Matthew photographing Bratislava, Slovakia. Journal #5 is a collection of images from the archives exploring his memories. (Love Kafka btw)
Why?
If photography is a personal journey of sorts, why not release zines in a journalistic manner? One could track their development of style and ideas in a format that can be easily shared as a concise tactile statement. 
Details.
Journal #3 The Gold of Time. The Silver of Memory.
Signed and Numbered.
First Edition of 25 Copies.
A5 Portrait
20 Page 170gsm Uncoated Inner
4 Page 300gsm Uncoated Cover
Journal #4 Samizdat.
Signed and Numbered.
First Edition of 25 Copies.
A5 Portrait
28 Page 170gsm Uncoated Inner
4 Page 300gsm Uncoated Cover
Journal #5 The Past is a Foreign Country
Signed and Numbered.
First Edition of 25 Copies.
A5 Portrait
24 Page 170gsm Uncoated Inner
4 Page 300gsm Uncoated Cover
Where?
All three of these are available through his website here! They are modestly priced at 8 pounds.
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Thanks to our two guests for their submissions, it is a really cool thing to be able to share them all with you. And remember, this is open to everyone. If you would like to have your zines or books featured then all you have to do is mail me. Hopefully there will be plenty more of you who want to get your books and zines out there to the world. Another installment will be coming soon.
Thanks,
JCH
