Background information

In addition to other photo book titles with animal portraits, photo books with horses as the theme are published in irregular succession. Examples are the photo volumes by Charlotte DUMAS ('The Wildest Prairies', 'Day is Done'), by Jitka HANZLOVA ('Horse'), Heleen PEETERS ('Horse'), by William EGGLESTON ('Horses and Dogs') or by Bruce CONNEW ('Body of Work').

"With his photo book 'Stars. Equine Portraits', Silvio MARAINI has managed to show the great diversity of horse personalities. With all their facets and fine character traits." (from the foreword, © Ingrid Klimke)

Statement of the photographer, Silvio MARAINI

"The 'stars' are successful sport horses. Show horses, trained for entertainment, riding or breeding - and all shades in between. By taking them out of their usual environment, unbridled and without halters, the essence of each horse is brought to the fore. It is not his resume, athletic performance or material value that is meant to impress, but his beauty, his charisma. They are all equal creatures, not even aware of their ability, their market value. For them, other values count. If we let ourselves get involved, we find that each of these individuals touches us with his or her personality. Our stars." (© Silvio MARAINI)

Content

"Graceful and graceful, self-confident and powerful. The photos in 'Stars. Equine Portraits' were taken under studio-like conditions, but always left a bit to chance: Silvio MARAINI photographed the horses in their usual environment, often in an indoor arena, sometimes in a box or in the shade of a barn. Through sparse lighting, a calm, monochrome background and the absence of bridle or halter, the photographer makes the everyday context disappear, sensitively and at the same time artfully setting the animal in scene. Free from distraction, the viewer can concentrate on the essential. In the eyes of the horses one thinks to recognize shyness, curiosity, skepticism, indifference, pride, serenity or caution. What they really feel, what they think or know remains hidden from you - but it also doesn't seem relevant, no matter whether they are successful sport horses, sought-after show horses or famous breeding horses. With a foreword by Ingrid Klimke, Olympic gold medalist in eventing." (© Benteli Publishers, 2019)