Book Review: Advice For Young Artists By Alec Soth

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Book Review: Advice For Young Artists By Alec Soth

October 1st, 2024 by Michael Ernest Sweet

Alec Soth’s new book, Advice for Young Artists, presents an intriguing paradox. While one might anticipate a collection rich with practical guidance and inspiration, it ultimately offers a rather different experience. As someone who appreciates certain aspects of Soth’s photography, I find myself both intrigued and a bit disappointed by this particular volume. There are indeed photographs in Soth’s body of work that resonate deeply, yet others have struck me as somewhat superfluous, as if they serve more to showcase his ability to be seen and published rather than to convey substantive artistic intent. In this latest release, this sentiment seems particularly pronounced.

Alec Soth, from Advice for Young Artists (MACK, 2024).
Courtesy of MACK and the artist.

Upon encountering the title, I was hopeful. In an era inundated with images, the need for a thoughtful discourse on photography as art—distinct from mere visual communication—has never been more pressing. The possibility that Soth might provide insights into navigating the complexities of being an artist today, especially amidst the seismic shifts within the field, was promising. I envisioned a collection of essays that might illuminate the path for emerging artists seeking to carve out their identities in this evolving landscape.

I certainly did not expect Soth to provide definitive answers on how to create art; such insights are inherently personal and often discovered through individual journeys. However, guidance on practical matters—such as securing a publisher, finding a gallery representative, or understanding the potential future of photography as a respected art form—would have been invaluable, particularly from someone with Soth’s successful career. Instead, the book presents a series of photographs depicting young artists at work, punctuated by a selection of aphoristic notes that, while thoughtful, feel somewhat lacking in depth and specificity. Lines like “less is more” and “what do you want, really?” are indeed wise but may come across as cursory in the context of Soth’s established stature.

Alec Soth, from Advice for Young Artists (MACK, 2024).
Courtesy of MACK and the artist.

The core message Soth seems to convey is that, should one achieve a certain level of fame, the ability to publish—or to provide counsel—becomes less contingent upon the quality of work or advice. This notion resonates with findings from Ingram and Banerjee’s 2018 study, which highlighted the significance of connections in advancing an artist’s career. For those who have yet to secure their footing in the art world, persistence and networking are emphasized as vital with the quality of the art counting for much less.

It is possible that Soth intended this book as a form of ironic commentary on the art world’s dynamics, yet one must ponder whether this perspective will resonate with the very artists it aims to support. The need for genuine guidance has never been more urgent, as the deluge of imagery and the complexities of social media create formidable challenges for aspiring photographers. In this regard, it feels as though a significant opportunity has been missed—both by Soth and by Mack Books, who might have chosen to showcase a rising talent rather than focus solely on an established artist and his attempt at humor.

Alec Soth, from Advice for Young Artists (MACK, 2024).
Courtesy of MACK and the artist.

In conclusion, while Advice for Young Artists contains moments of insight, it ultimately leaves a desire for more substantial engagement with the challenges faced by emerging photographers. In a time when the artistic landscape is in great flux, the call for authentic mentorship and practical wisdom is more vital than ever. Writing in 1980, Alan Trachtenberg laments the lack of a tradition of serious writing in photography. Rather than aspiring to this ongoing need, Soth seems to have gravitated towards another line in Trachtenberg’s essay where he states “that photography has seemed to inspire as much foolishness in words as banalities in pictures.” Perhaps the next established photographer to title a volume in this way will make a more serious attempt to contribute.

Advice for Young Artists
Alec Soth
MACK

Embossed linen hardcover with tip-in
26.6 x 27.3 cm, 72 pages
ISBN 978-1-915743-76-3
September 2024
€50 £40 $50

About Michael Ernest Sweet

Michael Ernest Sweet is a Canadian photographer, writer, and art critic. He is the author of The Human Fragment and Michael Sweet's Coney Island. Michael has written about photography for over a decade for publications such as the HuffPost, FStoppers, StreetPhotography.com, as well as print-based magazines like Photo Life and Digital Camera. He is the recipient of a Queen's Medal for significant contributions to the arts and education in Canada.

View all posts by Michael Ernest Sweet →

Location: Online Type: Book Review

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