Madagascar (Photo & Sexy Books)

While I have to admit that Mr. Barbieri is an excellent photographer, with long experience in the world of fashion, I took strong objection to his way of portraying Madagascar. Some magnificent photographs of the world of nature, some portraits, and a few pictures of unusual objects are interspersed with what can only be described as homo-erotic photographs. I have nothing against that either, a Mapplethorpe is a necessary part of modern culture. What I DO object to is such photographs being in any way called "a picture of Madagascar" with absolutely no personal agenda mentioned. This is totally dishonest. Thus, this is a very dishonest book. Producing self-indulgent romantic fantasies is fine if the audience is aware of what is being done, but to pass off such stuff as being "about" a poor country inhabited by hospitable, cheerful people with intricate customs and traditions, people who are extremely modest in dress and behavior for the most part---this is an exercise in exploitation. At the very least we should have been told how these pictures were made. In colonial times, many writers and artists produced romantic works about far off colonies. These were then used to show how "happy and contented" the people were under colonial rule. In the introduction, reference is made to Paradise ! Give me a break ! What is the agenda here ? If someone says, "Come on, man, it's just a great collection of pictures." then they have failed to grasp the cultural dialogues of the last 40 years, they cannot see how people with technology and media access can so easily exploit those without. I absolutely don't recommend this book.


This book of extraordinary photographs shows their dignity   May 6, 1999
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

I think I must offer this review to help to balance the negative reviews that are here. This is a work of stunningly beautiful photography. Clearly, Barbieri has gone beyond his usual fashion domain with these photographs. The works have an anthropological sense, but they show the photographers great appreciation for the people of the island of Madagascar. The people come across with immense dignity, even though their poverty is sometimes apparent. What nudity is included seems very natural. This book is a fine work of art.


unrealistic view of the malagasy people and their island   January 10, 1999
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

madagascar is a beautiful island and the people are the friendliest i have ever encountered. after spending 4 months living and working among them i found that their devotion to God is second to none and their ability to find joy despite what the world would describe as humble circumstances is unparalleled. this disappointing book doesn't accurately portray madagascar nor the people who live there. personally it offends me and i wouldn't recommend it to anyone.


Beautiful, exploitative and missing something....   February 25, 1998
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Barbieri's book is full of stunning photos that obviously exploit the Malagasy. Sadly, he does the Malagasy people no justice whatsoever. This poverty-stricken population isn't always this serious; they are some of the most soulful, hopeful people I have ever met and have gorgeous, smiling eyes and faces. The DIS-service Barbieri does them is because he didn't do his homework. If he had, he would have found out a)they are Malagasy, not Madagascan and b)their beauty is best portrayed in natural settings, not ridiculous, dramatic poses. Remember, however, that this is a "coffee-table" book, not the news; the truth is a very different story. I'm curious as to whether the other reader/reviewer has been to Mad, or are her/his views the result of political correctness? Was s/he serious about the fashion model comment? Manual labor yields physical strength - the Malagasy work hard I saw plenty of 6-pack abs and sculpted physiques there.