“WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE HEART THROB?”: IKKO’S GRITTY PHOTO-ESSAY ON THE BULLFIGHT, SIGNED BY HIM

NARAHARA, Ikko. Espana Grand Tarde, Fiesta, Vaya con Dios. ISSUED WITH: The Promised Journy [sic] (commentary). (Tokyo: Kyuryudo, 1969). Two items. Folio, original green photographically printed cloth (booklet of commentary in original wrappers), together in original slipcase, original cardboard shipping sleeve. Housed in a custom clamshell box. $4500.

First edition of Ikko Narahara’s stark visual record of the Spanish bullfight and its festivities, with rich black-and-white full-page photogravures (many gate-folded, the final spread in color), signed by him.

“From where does that excitement of the bullfight come?? Should it be merely mutual slaying of bulls and men, I would have shut my eyes after only looking at it once? However, once you have been captivated by bullfighting, there is no doubt that some unknown power pushes you to the bullring? Why? What is it that makes the heart throb?” (Narahara). Espana Grand Tarde explores this very question. In seeking an answer, Narahara applies the stark reality that is the stock-in-trade of the street photographer. “Ultimately, every aspect of Narahara’s work carries within it both a questioning of the chosen subject and a questioning of the self via the medium of photography” (Gabriel Bauret). Beautifully designed by Mitsuo Katsui.

A fine copy, signed, in original slipcase and shipping sleeve.