Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Occupied Spaces [SIGNED BY PHOTOGRAPHER]

Roberts, Ben (photogr.); Naomi Colvin (text)

London: Here Press, 2012. First edition. Softcover. 1/250 not stated and un-numbered. Quarto. 4pp. text, 24 pages photographs. Original color photo-illustrated string bound wrappers in publisher's self-sealed polypropylene bag. This "little booklet" (11 1/4" x 8 1/4") is not meant as a documentation of the nonviolent protest against economic inequality organized by the activist group Occupy London from October 15, 2011 until June 14, 2012. It is much rather a series of color photographs stemming from Roberts' desire to generate evidence and make a statement in contrast to several UK newspapers, who downplayed the vast numbers of protesters participating, claiming that thermal imaging cameras proved that only 10% of the 250 were actually inhabited overnight. The semi-permanent camp outisde St. Paul's Cathedral was established after the failed attempt to occupy the London Stock Exchange on October 15, 2011. Roberts photographs of the insides of 22 communal and private tents in 24 photographs are reminiscent of conceptual art photography and at the same time proof of these tents being occupied. For obvious reasons none of the photographs shows the tenants but a list with descriptions of respective tents by first names of protesters, place, and function is provided in the text part of the "booklet," e.g. Tent occupied by Phil, from Poland, Tech Tent, Kitchen Tent, Food storage space in the Kitchen Tent, Theatre Tent, the Kurdish tent, Multi Faith Prayer and Meditation Tent, Library Tent, and others. The two page text by Naomi Colvin gives a brief overview of the Occupy Movement starting with Spain, San Francisco, Occupy Wall Street, and Occupy London. Colophon signed by Ben Roberts. Book resting in publisher's self-sealing polypropylene bag. vg. Item #37461

Price: $500.00