Why this is an important book It is clear that emerging photographer Delbrouck has found a style all of his own. His work is unique and contemporary. Beyond History combines the directness and roughness of the snapshot with unmistakable aesthetics. Beauty and, a sometimes grim, reality meld into one. The term ‘poetic documentary’ could not be more appropriate. To some, the images may seem grim. But it would be a grave mistake to consider these images nihilistic. Beyond History is a manifesto against nihilism and a tribute to the vitality of youth, and, in this sense, it is a universal reality. It explains how young Cubans live their lives. Not hindered by our perspective on them and unhampered by the grand discourse of world politics. This is simply one hell of an exciting book! Pedro Juan Gutiérrez about Beyond History: “They are brilliant photos and I love them. We try to describe the reality that surrounds us the same way. As if it did not interest us. In such a form that everyone thinks it is very easy. They are important photos… For me they are important because they show me the hard, strong aspects of reality. Few photographers can do what you do.” Brian Paul Clamp, owner Clamp Gallery New York: “Vincent Delbrouk’s book, ‘Beyond History’ represents exceptional innovation not only in terms of the photography (including the lighting, composition, and spontaneity of the images), but also in the genius of marrying these idiosyncratic photos to the printed page. There is an intensity and honesty in this project I have seldom seen. This is a book that is certain to make a unique place for itself in the history of photography and art book publishing.” David Strettell / Dashwood Books, New-York: “Dear Vincent, Thank you for bringing me your excellent project “BEYOND HISTORY: Havana 1998-2002” last month. As you know I specialize in photography books and am always looking for new and interesting titles that test the limits of the medium. I see a lot of projects and it is rare to see something so well conceived and executed that does not feel forced or contrived. Cuba has been a favorite subject of documentary photographers over the years so it is even more gratifying to see an entirely original and personal take on the subject. Usually book dummy’s even while they may have great possibilities need a lot of editing and rethinking to be realized as books while yours should (in my view) be left virtually untouched. Congratulations and please keep me updated about your progress - Iook forward to stocking it and showing it to my more discerning collector clients.”
About the publisher Peter van Rhoon (1966) has been publishing high end print products for 10 years. - 1998: Founder RELOAD magazine. - 2005: Founder CODE magazine (high end fashion publication, distribution in the Netherlands, Belgium, Paris and Tokyo). - 2006: Curator Dutch Masters Exhibition at the Museum for Modern Art in Den Hague (first large exhibition on streetart in the Netherlands) - 2006: Publisher / editor Dutch Masters book (“first comprehensive book on street art in the Netherlands”) - 2007: Founder Urban Arts Foundation
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