Transitions Southern Africa

by Gordon H. Clark, Oprah Winfrey, Malcolm Grand

This is the first book on Africa for which Ms. Oprah Winfrey has chosen to write a Forward and that is because Gordon Clark has a unique insight into the soul of Africa and its wondrous... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B008SLDM26
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Xakekile, LLC
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 3.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 14.0" x 11.5" x 1.0"

Customer Reviews

Extraordinary Images

This is a remarkable collection of exquisite photographs which capture the dignity and humanity of people in Southern Africa. There is a rare, soul-stirring quality to these images that make this an important book for anyone with an appreciation for great photographic art or an interest in Africa. Gordon Clark's artistry clearly reflects a deep love for his nation of origin, as proceeds from Transitions go to fighting HIV/AIDS in South Africa and caring for children orphaned by the disease.

Awe-Inspiring Photography

From cover to cover, the powerful images in this book took my breath away. This book depicts the evolution of the human spirit from primal to potential. As each new section presents itself you are immediately thrust into a different environment. Each distinct, each equally captivating. The images show the beauty of Southern Africa and the fire that lives inside of its people. The photographs are impeccable. From the lighting to the subjects, each picture tells the story of those in it. Whether the faces are smiling or stoic, the strength displayed by the people is almost palpable. The elders are the wisdom that from their experience throughout and the children are the hope for the next generation. The book has a general uplifting feeling that speaks to the wonder of all that makes up South Africa. This book is a must-have for anyone wanting to go on an emotionally fulfilling journey. The best part of purchasing this book is knowing that the proceeds go to the people depicted in it. This is a strong reccomendation! Jump at the opportunity to make this a part of your library.

Heaven Is A Dirty Place

Gordon Clark's riveting collection of photographs bring the mystery, beauty, and infinite power of the South African psyche up to your amazed eyes with the stellar skill of a master. From the first page of this must-have for any lover of photographic art, the South African landscape and it's inhabitants, the people, seem to welcome you with deeply interpretive eyes and impeccable composition. Clark's use of color here is revelatory in that it envelops the viewer like a velvet sunset. In other words, the images early on are inviting and strangely familiar in their human qaulity. Whereas many photographs of Africa are general in their topic, making one feel that it is untouchable and removed, Clark's book beckons one to become as vulnerable and generous as his vibrant Southern Africa. The warmth he uses to portray the rugged danger inherent in the people of this region and the land itself causes one to realize that perhaps their are qaulitites about the subjects that are not far removed from the viewers': Strength being the prominent feature, the strength of the human will to persevere. Ultimately, Clark's genius is that he allows Southern Africa to become a metaphorical mirror, peering into one's one emotional landscape and thus truly connecting to the subjects of his passionate collection.Transitions is a book that lives up to it's title. Clark and his subjects take you along a journey, beginning at the peremiter, into the center of his subject's joy and struggle. I was shocked to see the unbelievably intimate, almost Rockwellian scenes come to life like a moving painting towards the conclusion of the book. The delicate beauty of Brassai's photographs came to mind. By then, I was so saturated with feeling, my emotions had to be released and they were, as I walked through the homes of these beautiful people. It is truly an experience and will be a great artistic progenitor on the viewers voyage to become connected to this important part of our world, and in the mission to heal South Africa. It is a priveledge to view Gordon Clark's Transitions.

Showstopping Photo Book

I purchased this brand new book because of Oprah Winfrey's Foreward. What an incredible surprise inside! This is the definitive book on the region's beauty, rich heritage and infinite potential. The words and pictures create an indelible impact. The images are so beautiful -- from the hopeful children in their natural environment to the soulful eyes of the elder natives in their village huts. This fresh, visual look inside the whole of South Africa has to be unpralleled. Oprah's Foreward began a journey that will stay with this reader forever and ever.