BROWNIE: The Book
Between 1979 and 1989 the American photographer, David Katzentein used a series of Kodak Duaflex cameras, the first of which he purchased at a yard sale in 1975. Brownie (Hirmer Verlag) represents the culmination of ten years experimenting with color photography and using the limitations of the camera as a way to expand his creative boundaries.
Paying homage to the Kodak Brownie camera that was originally introduced in 1900 and meant to bring photography to the masses, Katzenstein used the second generation, the Kodak Duaflex which was introduced in 1947. He began shooting with the camera in New York City in 1979 and 1980 before taking it on the road with him to places in Latin America and North Africa throughout the 1980s.
Brownie showcases how the cameraʼs simplicity became Katzensteinʼs greatest asset. The fixed-focus lens and square format gives the images an ethereal quality and nostalgic warmth. The square format forced him to experiment with composition and play with the juxtaposition of foreground and background subject matter. He was also influenced by painters like Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse, for their use of bold color and their unique arrangement of space.
This collection celebrates serendipity and artistic vision, demonstrating how constraints can lead to creative breakthroughs. Katzensteinʼs photographs invite readers to explore the boundaries between documentation and artistic interpretation, revealing how technical limitations became creative possibilities. His work challenges our perceptions of photography, reminding us that true vision lies in embracing constraints.
Brownie is now available to purchase worldwide. There is an insightful introduction by Richard Grosbard. Following are some images from the book.
A sneak peek of the book is available here.
Hirmer Verlag
Press contact: Kate Greenberg, Arply, kate@arply.co