Bettina Rheims, The Book of Olga
Fantasy wife
Via Bettina Rheims, a Russian oligarch introduces his lovely wife to the world
French photographer Bettina Rheims's sexiest book ever: daring portraits of a gorgeous woman commissioned by her millionaire husband. Limited to 1,000 copies worldwide, each numbered and signed by Bettina Rheims.
Femme fatale Olga Rodionova is a well-known beauty who moves in Moscow's fashion and jet set circles.When her adoring husband, a powerful Russian oligarch, sought to have special portraits made of his wife, he asked none other than Bettina Rheims - an unusual request for a photographer of Rheims's stature. Rheims was captivated by Olga's unique aura and felt excited by the challenge of finding aesthetic ways of doing the portraits so that they didn't feel like run of the mill pornography. The first shoot took place in Rheims's country home and Olga's husband was so pleased with the images that he suggested they produce a book with Olga as the star. A second shoot followed, in black and white with a sado-masochistic décor and other men and women playing slightly perverse sex games with Olga. A third, Marie-Antoinetteinspired shoot took place entirely in the studio. Rheims succeeded in finding a variety of ways to depict one subject with a continuous freshness and intrigue; The Book of Olga represents the most delectable fruits of her success. With over one hundred images, as well as an introduction by French author Catherine Millet, this unique book is both a love song and an artistic statement.
About the photographer:
Inspired by her passion for art and female portraiture, Bettina Rheims devoted herself wholly to photography beginning in 1978. In the past three decades she has produced many major series of works for books and exhibitions. In 2007 she was awarded the Légion d'Honneur for her artistic achievement.
About the contributing author:
Catherine Millet is editor-in-chief and co-founder of Art Press. She is also a curator and the author of many books, including La vie sexuelle de Catherine M. (2001).
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New! Bettina Rheims, The Book of Olga
Millet, Catherine
Hardcover + Box, 29.2 x 43.7 cm (11.5 x 17.2 in.), 154 pages, $ 700.00 |
- Reviews (35 items)
"Un plat chaud, épicé, servi dans une bonbonnière, préparé par un des plus grands chefs et servi à table avec une mise en bouche de Catherine Millet..."
Pariscope, Paris, France
Pariscope, Paris, France
- Clippings (57 items)
On set / A fairy tale
American Photo, United States, February 01, 2009
American Photo, United States, February 01, 2009
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