Published by Damiani. Introduction by Brad Wilson. Text by Dan Flores.
Featuring new photographs by Brad Wilson in a stunning landscape format design, plus an introduction by Wilson about his philosophy and process, and an essay by Dan Flores, author of the New York Times bestseller Coyote America, The Other World: Animal Portraits is a dazzling work of wildlife photography. Although he shoots in the studio, Wilson is inspired by the notion of the “authentic encounter,” that is, allowing the animal to reveal itself to us rather than imposing our subjective notions on it or on the portrait. Wilson works in cooperation with zoos and wildlife sanctuaries who bring the animals into a studio, where he photographs them against a black background. This makes the animals appear grounded and three-dimensional—magnificent, approachable, yet inherently mysterious. He describes the situation as a kind of “controlled chaos,” but in the end it allows him to create images that show each animal as an individual being with its own personality and dignity. There is no anthropomorphism here, but rather a wise and respectful approach to these creatures with whom we share the earth. The photographs of Brad Wilson (born 1963) have appeared in media ranging from CBS News to Audobon and the magazine of the World Wildlife Fund. He is currently represented by Doinel Gallery in London, Surround Art Gallery in Moscow, Artistics Gallery in Paris and PhotoEye Gallery in Santa Fe. Wilson is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.