[spectre] Review of Richard Kern's latest book

[John Duncan]

Here is my review of Richard Kern's new book of photographs:

SHOT BY KERN

Richard Kern

Edited by Dian Hanson

Interview by Jesse Pearson

Taschen

Richard Kern’s latest photo book, *Shot By Kern*, is a gem on several
levels.  The book is packed with full-page shots showing that Kern, still
true to his roots as a pioneer of transgressive cinema, has developed well
beyond them.  The images work technically as photos, physically as
soft-core eroticism, critically as comments on how that success is
determined, with a well-honed sophistication that is at once sensual and
cold.  The pages of quotes that open each sequence make clear that Kern is
acutely observant of each model’s quirks and foibles, ready to accept them
in ways that put the model at ease or, in the case of the toilet shoots,
allow her to be self-conscious and nervous, as well as to understand them
as curious clues that reveal a larger social context, also pointed out in
Jesse Pearson’s informed interview.  Yet again, Taschen’s Sexy Book Editor
Dian Hanson has done an excellent job.

A crucial element that sets this book apart is what’s revealed in the DVD,
with soundtracks by Thurston Moore, included inside the back cover. Kern’s
warm rapport with the models is striking.  Far from the grueling slogs that
photo shoots are often known to be, Kern makes them fun. The DVD is full of
shots of models giggling, laughing, chastising mosquitoes, openly enjoying
the moment as Kern, an equally active participant, captures it.  Splendidly.
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