Paradis - Oriane Thomasson - De Best Verzorgde Boeken

Like something you might find among a pile of books in your rather strange uncle’s study. That’s how archaic and mysterious this little book looks, with its curlicued typography and linen cover that feels like a cross between jute and old wallpaper. Between the covers, a visual story unfolds that reads like a rediscovery of nature; a two-dimensional cabinet of curiosities crammed with wondrous combinations of photography and botanical and geological illustrations. There’s a lot going on here: a little too much for some members of the jury, but according to others this perfectly suits the eclectic nature of this project. A nice touch is the fact that the text has been added in a smaller section in the middle; this means it doesn’t disturb the visual flow, while at the same time providing a glimpse of the images while reading. The lithography and printing are of a high quality, allowing the materiality of the images, their medium and tactility to come across well. The attractive alternating of images in sepia, black-and-white and colour also contributes to this. The binding – centre stitched – emphasises the simple implementation, reminiscent of a trinket. An exceptional, atmospheric book that lingers in the memory.