Fusion: The Synergy of Images and Words Part II
We are familiar with words describing images, but not so familiar with images describing words and the impact reading has on our lives.
Los Angeles, California, USA, 1992
For as long as people have read books, artists have tried to portray the relationship of a reader and his/her book.
Kabul, Afghanistan, 2003
No matter where I go in the world, I see people immersed in books. It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, young or old, they find comfort, information, distraction, and inspiration between the covers of their books.
Kandze, Tibet, 2002
Los Angeles, California
Sri Lanka, 1995
Kuwait City, Kuwait, 1991
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Burma, 2010
Afghanistan, 1992
Afghanistan, 1984
Kunduz, Afghanistan, 2002
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”
– Jorge Luis Borges
August 19, 2011 at 14:41
[...] See more photos here and here. [...]
August 7, 2011 at 06:08
[...] ran across 4, well 1 blog article which led me to another blog article, which lead to another, and another, about the universality of [...]
July 3, 2011 at 05:58
Liek books even his pictures are universal…
July 3, 2011 at 05:56
Like books even his pictures are universal. the sole soulful contender of depicting the everyday life in the best possible way.
July 3, 2011 at 05:54
The colours of life and imagination both is vividly explored by Mr Mc Curry. Bringing out the common features of life and highlihting them through his view finder keeps on amazing people. Like books even his pictures are universal
October 27, 2010 at 16:31
oh god!so beautiful!
October 27, 2010 at 06:55
What an awesome blog! I feel as if I just flew around the world!
September 25, 2010 at 22:48
I believe the LA Trekkie that you captured is actually Brent Spiner, the actor who played “Data” in The Next Generation series. He’s probably reading the script of the next show!
September 24, 2010 at 11:04
A wonderful portraits …. I really like it…. so natural…. so real…
September 18, 2010 at 16:28
How bizarre to see The Afghan Girl behind the schoolgirls in Kabul 2003! Beautiful shots as always, love your updates.
September 18, 2010 at 16:04
[...] series of shared human experiences, experiences such as LOVE, SOLUTIDE, SLEEPING and READING[READING partII]. Do yourself a favor a take [...]
September 15, 2010 at 08:25
All photos great as usual. Personal favorites the LA Treky and girl from Afghanistan. Thanks for sharing!!!
September 10, 2010 at 19:45
I am so moved by this series of images and reading. An absolutely beautiful and touching pairing. And I’m more than a little amused that you captured Data reading too! Ha
September 7, 2010 at 18:35
A library with some spot for a quick nap. What eloquent photos.
September 5, 2010 at 23:32
[...] What can I say, I am a deeply suspicious person. That doesn’t change the fact that the photos are beautiful, moving and yes–romantic… Thank you to my friend LW, who pointed me towards this [...]
September 5, 2010 at 20:56
Hello Mr McCurry, I writing about the first photo in this post, the one about the Franciscan friar… my brother is one too and I think you’ve met him during your shoot in Italy. He was very enthusiastic about his meeting with ‘a famous photographer’ and told me all about it. I don’t know if you remember him, his name is Federico, he speaks ‘good’ English and he’s a lovely fun guy. Young, blondish…
Anyway, it doesn’t matter, I just love it when things go full circle in a way or another…
I’ve been admiring your blog and amazing photos for a while. Always an inspiration.
September 3, 2010 at 04:51
A wonderful essay on reading which badly needs to be highlighted, as the next gen is weaning away from reading.
September 2, 2010 at 20:40
Thank you for your inspiration – your work speaks of Humanity. The book relationship speaks of our hopes and dreams and our perseverance no matter the circumstances.
It is a treat to experience your art. Thankyou!
September 2, 2010 at 20:32
Beautiful and very true
September 2, 2010 at 02:35
Hello Steve,
The incredible stories that you tell through your photographs! I could gaze at all for hours and hours. Thank you for being here, in this world.
August 30, 2010 at 18:47
[...] Steve McCurry posted a series of photos of people reading. This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← The [...]
August 28, 2010 at 08:24
: ) We find endless, physical and spiritual joy while reading. Ultimately, we find ourselves again in it..
August 28, 2010 at 05:23
Steve, these photos are incredible. I love the shot of Brent Spiner in the baseball cap, and even more the first photo of the monk opposed with the statue. Brilliant!
August 28, 2010 at 03:06
Through books we share our common humanity! So thank you for sharing these.
August 27, 2010 at 20:54
Mr. McCurry,
Your work has inspired me to pursue photography… ever since I bought your book Portraits from ’99, I’ve been propelled into the photography world with such speed, as tends to happen with art! I wanted to thank you for your work and your existence, and I hope I may one day meet you at a workshop (or a cafe!) and discuss your amazing success. I’ve already taken the first step and moved from Texas to Lebanon, with my camera ready, to follow in your footsteps from a distance.
Best wishes to you, and may you stay safe in your travels.
Alice Kezhaya
August 26, 2010 at 21:01
Fantastic! Thank You!
August 26, 2010 at 04:47
Dear Steve,
love this series, a lot of fun looking those images. Very strong work!
regards,
Jos Runarka
August 25, 2010 at 22:03
[...] the first time on his own blog. Entitled “Fusion: The Synergy of Energy and Words” (Part I and Part II) drew a strong reaction from book lovers. “More than 4,000 people visited the site in the first [...]
August 25, 2010 at 13:05
[...] time on his own blog. Entitled “Fusion: The Synergy of Energy and Words” (Part I and Part II) drew a strong reaction from book lovers. “More than 4,000 people visited the site in the [...]
August 25, 2010 at 09:15
Great blog!
Regards from the Basque Country!
August 25, 2010 at 06:18
Love the one shot in Kuwait…
Amidst the chaos, the man manages to read a book. I guess, in a way reading helps him escape the disorder around him.
Love your work Steve. You inspire me in my work as a photographer too..If you ever get the time, please drop by my site..I’m Sri Lankan and live and work in India now.
August 24, 2010 at 19:40
I have always said..
Steve McCury always takes us to another soulful world, filled with emotions.
An amazing post
August 24, 2010 at 18:16
[...] photo-essay up on his blog about the relationship between readers and their books. (Part II found here). Category: Linked [...]
August 24, 2010 at 15:53
All photos great as usual. Personal favorites the LA Treky and girl from Afghanistan. Thanks for sharing!!! ;o)
August 24, 2010 at 15:23
Interesting to note that the iconic NatGeo photo of the Afghan girl has been painted and framed in “Kabul 2003″ photo above.
August 24, 2010 at 15:32
Yes. I see that photo or versions of it, all over the world.
August 24, 2010 at 12:31
Fascinating series. Indeed a very interesting theme. It’s also interesting to note that most of these images were taken in a religious context. Images & words, but not just any words !
August 24, 2010 at 10:02
Respected Steve,
The Synergy of Images and Words Part II has also very attractive images like the Part I. Here the images are much strong. Great work as allows !
Regards,
Apratim Saha.
August 24, 2010 at 06:12
These “unseen” type images are a joy. I love the 3rd pic of the Afghan Girl painting. Thank you.
August 24, 2010 at 01:04
[...] of People Reading pt.2 Posted on August 23, 2010 by Dennis Y. Ginoza More excellence at Steve McCurry‘s [...]
August 23, 2010 at 23:14
Hi Steve,
More mediums are available these days, but intensity of connection is same.
Its gives a more opportunity to authors to share their thoughts and more ways to reader to interact.
On a funnier note, now we know why Mr. Data know so much.
Thanks for sharing these amazing photographs.
Regards,
Pawan
August 23, 2010 at 22:50
Hi Steve,
“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Confucius
August 23, 2010 at 21:45
In awe of the images and the quote is a bright red glacier cherry.
And to think everyone’s out there buying iPads.
August 23, 2010 at 21:18
Love love love the first picture took in Italy. I’d love seeing more of your images taken away from the Indian subcontinent, Steve.