Record is Stefan Dotter’s first monograph documenting natural habitats and indigenous communities in the Amazon, Borneo and Madagascar. In 2021, Dotter embarked on a three-year photographic journey with an aim to deepen his understanding of the entwinement between human and nature. Dotter was invited to document the transformative work of Health In Harmony — a non-profit organisation addressing deforestation by observing the voices and needs of indigenous communities around the world’s most endangered rainforests — Dotter was able to produce a series of images across remote regions.

Designed by Jonny Lu Studio, the layout, design and typography of Record draws from the aesthetics of natural science documents and 20th century field journals, many of which were aptly titled ‘record’. The monograph cross-contextualises Dotter’s photographic prints with essays along with his own personal reflections and observational notes during the expeditions.

Exploring further themes such as transparency, time and polyphony, the book presents itself inside-out. In lieu of a hardcover, the artwork plates are wrapped by layers of fragile, semi-transparent paper stocks — a delicate outer shell intended to represent the way in which an interconnectedness between humankind and environment protects the planet. The result is an intimate and tactile object conceived in close relation to Dotter’s visual practice and speaks to the idea of ‘making record’ in its many forms and stakes.

Complementary to the standard edition, the special edition will consist of a custom-made box housing both the publication and a chromogenic print within a bespoke envelope, signed and hand printed by Dotter himself. The special edition will be limited to a run of 100 copies.

All profits from this book will go directly to Health In Harmony, supporting their mission to protect ecosystems and communities at risk from climate change. A donation can be made here.

The book was realised through a grant by Future Being, a studio dedicated to nurturing ideas and sharing resources that help heal the planet and protect biological and cultural diversity. Through their long-standing support of Health In Harmony, and collaboration with Stefan Dotter and the Record project, they honour all those working to restore reciprocity between people and the natural world.


Order



RECORD
Stefan Dotter

Design and Art Direction
Jonny Lu Studio

Designer
Lara Zettl (JL Studio)

Production
Alyssa Bondoc (JL Studio)

Printing
Seiko Printing, Japan

Text
Elaine ML Tam

Support
Future Being

ISBN 978–1–7385700–0–3
First Edition



Stockists:

Antenne Books (UK)
Book & Sons (Japan)
Flotsam Books (Japan)
Tsutaya Daikanyama (Japan)
Visual Collect (Korea)