Boris Mikhailov - Yesterday's Sandwich - 2007

Photobook "Yesterday's Sandwich" by Boris Mikhailov (2007).
COMPLETE set of 55 plates with original introductory text (single sheet, folded) by Mikhailov, in English, French and Russian.

This book is both a unique and highly collectable object. It contains 55 colour tableaux printed on separate unbound boards, all enclosed in a specially created folder and slipcase. The design of the object is inspired by the concept of a box of unbound plates, or Kodak slides, allowing for interchangeable parts.
The case holding the unbound plates is crafted from raw grey board with flecks of recycled fibres, foil-blocked in gold. This design reflects the tension between Soviet reality and the romantic ideals of beauty. Mikhailov’s text about the series is printed on inexpensive magazine paper, reminiscent of Soviet print ephemera.

'Yesterday's Sandwich' is an extraordinary double world of soviet drudgery juxtaposed with sex and beauty, created by Boris Mikhailov (b. 1938), one of the most influential photographers from the former Soviet Union. This remarkable collection comprises 55 colour plates, previously unpublished due to artistic restrictions imposed during the Communist era. This unique body of work is introduced by an explanatory text, in which the photographer discusses the meaning of these beautiful and intriguing images. A detailed biography of the artist is also included. 'Yesterday's sandwich' embodies Mikhailov's role as artist, documentary photographer and social observer demonstrating his rich imagination and practical solutions for survival in an unstable society. Mikhailov has received wide critical acclaim and his work has been exhibited around the world.

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 2007
Size: 24 x 35 cm
With introductory text by Mikhailov, in English, French and Russian (single sheet, folded).
Language: English, French, Russian
Light traces of usage, corners of the box are slightly bumped.