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A Detroit Nocturne
By Dave Jordano and Karen Irvine
Published by powerHouse Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
In a continuation of Dave Jordano's critically-acclaimed Detroit: Unbroken Down (powerHouse Books, 2015), which documented the lives of residents, Detroit Nocturne is an artist's book not of people this time, but instead the places within which they live and work: structures, dwellings, and storefronts. Made at night, these photographs speak to the quiet resolve of Detroit's neighborhoods and its stewards: independent shop proprietors and home owners who have survived the long and difficult path of living in a post-industrial city stripped of economic prosperity and opportunity.
In many rust-belt cities like Detroit, people's lives often hang in the balance as neighborhoods support and provide for each other through job creation, ad-hoc community involvement, moral and spiritual support, and a well-honed Do-It-Yourself attitude. With all the media attention about Detroit's rebirth and revival, it is important to note that many neighborhoods throughout the city have managed to survive against the odds for years, relying on local merchants and businesses that operate on a cash only basis who have stuck it out through decades of economic decline.
Determination and a strong sense of self-preservation: Detroit's citizens manage to survive by maintaining a healthy sense of connection without the fear of giving up. All of these places of business and residences, whether large or small, are in many ways symbols representing the ongoing story that is Detroit, and a testament to the tenacity of those who are trying desperately to hold on to what is left of the social and economic fabric of the city. These photographs speak to that truth without casting an overly sentimental gaze.
These nocturnal images offer a chance to view the locations in an unfamiliar light, and offer a moment of quiet and calm reflection.
In many rust-belt cities like Detroit, people's lives often hang in the balance as neighborhoods support and provide for each other through job creation, ad-hoc community involvement, moral and spiritual support, and a well-honed Do-It-Yourself attitude. With all the media attention about Detroit's rebirth and revival, it is important to note that many neighborhoods throughout the city have managed to survive against the odds for years, relying on local merchants and businesses that operate on a cash only basis who have stuck it out through decades of economic decline.
Determination and a strong sense of self-preservation: Detroit's citizens manage to survive by maintaining a healthy sense of connection without the fear of giving up. All of these places of business and residences, whether large or small, are in many ways symbols representing the ongoing story that is Detroit, and a testament to the tenacity of those who are trying desperately to hold on to what is left of the social and economic fabric of the city. These photographs speak to that truth without casting an overly sentimental gaze.
These nocturnal images offer a chance to view the locations in an unfamiliar light, and offer a moment of quiet and calm reflection.
Product Details
- Publisher: powerHouse Books (April 17, 2018)
- Length: 120 pages
- ISBN13: 9781576878705
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Raves and Reviews
"Both haunting and awe inspiring, this collection of photos serves as a simple yet effective ode to the unbreakable spirit of Detroit's residents.Jordano's mastery of subtlety creates more than just thought-provoking images, it also transforms them into majestic and powerful promises of hope."
– Publishers Weekly
"A Detroit Nocturneis a wonderful portrait of a city."
– F-Stop
As seen in: PDN Photo of the Day, The Washington Post, Lenscratch, The Detroit News, The News-Herald, Hyperallergic, feature shoot, Wired, Creative Boom, The PhotoBook Journal, Far Out Magazine
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): A Detroit Nocturne Hardcover 9781576878705