"Wisdom" Andrew Zuckerman

Nelson Mandela, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear myself more times that I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers it.”

Published in 2008, Andrew Zuckerman’s “Wisdom” is a collection of still life photographs. This on-going piece includes a film and a traveling exhibition. With support from the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Zuckerman has been able to share this amazing collection with people all over the world.

The subjects in “Wisdom” include musicians like Bill Withers, actors, politicians, and the second man to walk on the moon, Buzz Aldrin. These patriarchs have influenced their respected countries and professions for many decades. If this were only a collection of portraits it would still receive praise. Zuckerman is literally able to capture their wisdom in each photo. However, the content of the interviews is priceless. The first quote by, Desmond Tutu says it all, “One of the greatest gifts we can give to another generation is our experience, our wisdom.” And that’s exactly what this book entails.

Every subject has two photos. The pictures are blown up to twelve inches, showing remarkable detail. This incredible photo is staring back at the reader giving the subject’s words ownership and life. The cover photo went to Clint Eastwood, a fitting choice to go with one of the most recognizable faces in film history. Eastwood was quoted on page 68, “If a person is confident enough in the way they feel, whether it’s an art form or whether it’s just in life, it comes off---you don’t have anything to prove; you can just be what you are.” The entire book is filled with guidance from people that have in some way contributed to society. It doesn’t suggest that any advice the reader may have gotten from their grandparents is trivial. “Wisdom” allows the reader to learn from people who have lived unique lives, to gain a perspective on their collective knowledge of living and of living in the spotlight.

This book has a few imperfections though. The text is rather small and untraditionally placed on the pages. If this book were intended only for the people in it, I imagine some of them would have a hard time reading it.

Zuckerman’s first book, “Creature” is a collection of still life animals that came out in 2007. “Wisdom” was published the following year. “Bird” was published in 2009 and his fourth installment of still-life photos “Music” came out last year.

"Wisdom" stands alone as the most powerful of Andrew Zuckerman's work. The insight shared by these iconic figures needs to be cherished and taught.