Black Ladies (Amuses Gueules)

Rating:
Summary: beautiful photography; but hardly african in content . . .
Review: a severe criticism; hardly; i love african women . . .

after all the hullabaloo; i finally ordered and received "black ladies" this week. the photos may be beautiful as the "african" women most definitely are; but . . . the same esthetic effect could have been achieved anywhere in the world where there are black women. the connection between these women and africa is conspicuous by it's absence . . .

i'm sorry but i do not share the gushing response as portrayed by many readers. and to those who rave over the sensuality of some of the women; obviously you are similarly unaccustomed to africa and it's beauty.

there is very little within the pages which is representative of africa. uwe ommer lacks the cultural knowledge insight of the continent to be able to capture this very deep sentiment african ark and africa adorned are far more representative of this very special aspect of africa and it's beautiful women. (anyone want to buy my book from me . . ?) having said this; i will still look out for noumia and asian ladies.

i have been photographing african and black american women for many years and have been able to capture the subtle nuances which lends to the cultural aspect of the various women. figure studies are just that - figure studies. but capturing africa through the bodies and forms and subtlties that only african woman can project; is another thing. this takes a deep knowledge and insight that cannot be plucked out of one's photographic expertise. most world renowned photographers just do not have this.

a friend of mine karl de haan once published a book african image - i think, in the early seventies which is far more representative of african women.

Rating:
Summary: Black Ladies
Review: Greetings, from the "Land of the Morning Calm", Taegu, South Korea. Photographer, Uwe Ommer, has truly captured the beauty of the AfroAmerican woman. For anyone who enjoys books on photography, especially the "female nude" this book is a must. The women in this book are strong, erotic, and sensual. Quality, paper texture, locations, color just to name a few areas, is superb. If your looking for, or think this is the standard "sleeze" book or magazine, "don't order". If you are into genuine classic, and beautiful photograghy. Order today. I can't wait for my "Asian Ladies" to arrive.

Rating:
Summary: Black women through a white lens
Review: I don't know much about Benedikt Staff Taschen, but I do know that he directs this book to a white audience. First, how else can you explain why every woman is wearing either a headdress or an obvious weave the size of a bouffant hairdo. The better to appeal to a European audience? Second, Mr. Taschen ignores one of the most beautiful parts of the Black female anatomy--the rear end. I understand that some ethnic groups are fixated on the female breasts but this should not be to the exculsion of a just as appealing part of the female anatomy, an appreciation shared by many ethnic men.

All in all, though, Mr. Taschen has a great eye--he chose some gorgeous women to photograph. My only other gripe is that there are too few photographs. Mr. Taschen should have used the space he allotted to poems (what a waste) on more photographs. The poems added nothing worthwhile to the book. There are precious few books devoted to Black female models and despite its flaws, this book is a great addition to the subject.

Rating:
Summary: The book is about Black Ladies
Review: I give the book a high rating. The pictures are lovely. The subject matter is lovely. I think that the reviewer who was disappointed that there werent many shades of "black" ladies... I think he failed to realize the book IS about "Black Ladies" not Afrikan ladies... In continental Afrika you are only called "black" IF your skin tone is closer to "black", therefore cocoa, cafe latte, brown and tan complected women would not be pictured. "Black" as synonymous with Afrikan descent is solely a western concept. Although used by westerners to label ALL Afrikan peoples...because next to Europeans and an Afrikan would be called black no matter how fair there skin is because there skin is not "white" next to a European, Afrikans do not call each other black unless their skin actually is near to black. Take the Fulani for instance, or an Algerian and a Dogon. So, therefore I agree with the title "black ladies" and the pictures are lovely.

Rating:
Summary: what good hype can do
Review: I struggled with my rating of this book...I'm not sure that Ommer's intent was to capture all the nuances of African culture in this book. Sometimes imagery is just that - imagery - to be enjoyed for nothing more than it's esthetics. If you're looking for beautiful images of "black ladies", this book delivers. If you want a cultural perspective, or insight into African women, you won't necessarily find it here.

I agree with 'A reader' that "...the same esthetic effect could have been achieved anywhere in the world where there are black women." In fact, I wish Ommer would have done that. I expected to see women in different locations (at least the US, UK, the Caribbean, etc.), although I'm not sure if Ommer's budget would allow that. I would also like to have seen more variety, as there are black women of all complexions, shapes, and sizes.

While I'm on the subject of variety, I think Ommer should have varied his poses a little more. Overall I continue to enjoy this work for what it is - gorgeous photos of gorgeous women.

Rating:
Summary: Wow! Beautiful Black women who actually look... Black!
Review: Lovely photographs of women of African descent. Although when I bought the book, I had the impression the photographer had used everyday indigenous African women. Flipping through the book, I found that I recognized some as fairly successful African-American models. No matter -- beautiful women nonetheless... Nice to see an appreciation of black beauty that doesn't rely upon dark-skinned women with basically Caucasian features...

Rating:
Summary: Wow! Beautiful Black women who actually look... Black!
Review: This book is a real gem, I was first shown the postcard book by a friend of mine, and it just took my breath away. It is for anyone who truly admires the beauty of black women, and while it does not necessarily cover the full spectrum of African-American women's beauty, I found it to be quite satisfactory and a more than worthwhile purchase. This book had been out of print for some time,so I appluad [bookstore]/Amazon.com. for making it available again, Keep Up The Good Work Guys.