Alec is a hugely talented photographer who also happens to have quite a way with words. In fact, it was words that connected us to begin with. Way back in 2006, both of us were posting daily to our respective blogs. We wrote a lot about photography, of course, but it was our shared affinity for poetry that cemented our friendship for years to come.
A lot has changed since then, including the internet. Both of us swore off blogging years ago. (He did so definitively, while I just tapered off and then disappeared.) Most of our updates are done via Instagram and/or 140 character spurts these days.
This economy of language is evident in Alec’s picks as well, but who can blame him? He’s awfully busy these days publishing, printing, teaching AND still making critically acclaimed photography and mounting amazing exhibitions, like the big fancy museum survey show that’s currently on view at MMoCA.
Be sure to check out Alec’s various endeavors via the links above, and read on for his picks below. -Jen
5 Perfect Picks
1) Manshroom, by Amy Ross
“Clothes I wear for mushroom hunting are rarely sent to the cleaner. They constitute a collection of odors I produce and gather while rambling in the woods. I notice not only dogs (cats, too) are delighted (they love to smell me).” - John Cage
2) Photographer's Dilemma, by Tatsuro Kiuchi
I don't hang any photographs in my home, only drawing and painting. But I suppose I wouldn't mind hanging a drawing of a camera.
3) A Song, by William Powhida
I've always liked simple music, but only lately have I realized the power of a chorus.
4) Travelers, Tatsuro Kiuchi
There is little more beautiful to me than collective loneliness.
5) My Butt, by Helena Wurzel
I think Sir Mix-A-Lot said it best…
5 Q's + 5 A's
1) What's your favorite museum?
The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts
2) What is your favorite color?
Yellow
3) Most coveted coffee-table book?
Solitude of Ravens by Masahisa Fukase
4) You've got $5M to spend on one piece of art. What would it be?
A James Turrell skyspace
5) If you could be reincarnated as another artist, who would you want to be?
John Cage
The 411 on Alec Soth
Alec Soth (b. 1969) is a photographer born and based in Minnesota. In 2008, Soth started his own publishing company, Little Brown Mushroom. Soth is represented by Sean Kelly Gallery in New York, Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco, Weinstein Gallery in Minneapolis, and is a member of Magnum Photos.
Professional Site: Little Brown Mushroom Twitter: @lbmbooks Instagram: @littlebrownmushroom
