Hans Kemp

This is a powerful and dramatic book. It’s not, at least in my opinion, the kind of book you sit and read from cover to cover but rather one you pick up and read a section here and there. Even more so it’s a book that is driven by the spectacular photography. The book is oversized – of what is generally called the coffee table variety – so the photos are large and really grab the eye. You truly feel as if you are right there, in the moment with the celebrants.

The text goes into details of the various ceremonies and rituals of Asia from sects known and not. Some of the rituals are quite alien to Westerners and are therefore the photos can be a little difficult to view (piercings.) Mr. Kemp shows the events through the lens of his camera with an eye towards documenting and not judging. It allows for the reader (viewer?) to take in the moment in time of the ritual to learn what they can from it.

It’s certainly not a book for everyone but if you are interested in religion or religious ceremonies this is certainly a book that will expand beyond the “big three” religions. This book opens the eyes to so many other practices. It was fascinating.… (más)