Capturing life
Steve McCurry
An artist’s book that celebrates four decades of the iconic and renowned portrait of Sharbat Gula, the Afghan girl. A visual journey through the definitive collection of Steve McCurry, with 40 images selected by the celebrated photographer. An exclusive, numbered, and limited edition of 2.998 copies, all signed by the artist.
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The iconic image of the Afghan girl, printed on glossy methacrylate, adorns the cover of the striking case. A tribute to the 40th anniversary of its publication on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. Her eyes invite us on a journey across five continents through portraits, landscapes, and moments that have already become part of our collective memory. Inside, two volumes of the work are revealed.
The Art Book brings together 40 original photographs, personally selected by McCurry, spanning 25 countries between 1982 and 2023. To capture the brilliance and use of color in his snapshots, the images have been laser printed using Fuji technology on high-quality photographic paper, each protected with translucent paper. Each plate, attached to the book with three glue points, is numbered and includes a quote from the artist recalling the image.
The Study Book includes comments made by McCurry specifically for this edition, with anecdotes and personal memories. The artist invited Pico Iyer, essayist and novelist, to contribute to this volume, reflecting on McCurry’s main themes and bringing us closer to the person behind the photographer, as well as Mario Calabresi, Italian writer and journalist, who takes us through a life dedicated to photography and the many challenges and experiences the author has faced over the years. The volume closes with a complete chronology of Steve McCurry.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
- The entire creative process —from the design of the case to the printing, selection, and personal writings of the 40 photographs— was directly supervised by McCurry.
- Both volumes are handcrafted. On the cover of the Art Book, the photographer’s name is embossed, while the Study Book features an image of the author.
- The 40 photographs chosen by McCurry are affixed to the Art Book with three points of glue, offering a vibrant journey through 25 countries, from 1982 to 2023.
- To ensure authenticity, the title, numbering, and Steve McCurry’s copyright seal appear at the bottom of each photograph.
- Each image is protected with the highest-quality Fedrigoni translucent paper, ensuring maximum care and preservation of the artist’s 40 original works.
- The side of the case is stamped with Steve McCurry’s name in transparent film, while its interior features high-density black foam to preserve the volumes.
- The celebrated image of the Afghan girl has been printed on methacrylate to form the cover of this majestic case, conceived as an artistic piece to display.
- The 2.998 copies of this limited and numbered edition have been signed one by one by Steve McCurry, thus reflecting his full involvement in the project.
- The work Capturing Life is delivered inside a specially designed box as a tribute to the photographer and to the 40 images that make up this unique edition.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CASE
- Cardboard lined case. Cover with 0.11 In. (3 mm) thick glossy methacrylate plate glued. Outer lining: Corvon Senzo Metallic green. Author’s name on the side with transparent film stamping.
- Interior: high-density black foam nest with side opening for easy book extraction.
- Inner sheet glued with a quote from the artist.
- Measurements: 20 x 13.97 x 2.7 In. (51 x 35.5 x 7 cm) (height x width x spine).
- Case weight: 5.5 Lb. (2.5 kg).
- Total work weight approx.: 21,7 Lb. (9.85 kg).
ART BOOK
- Bilingual edition in Spanish and English.
- 96 pages on Symbol Tatami White paper of 0.33 Lb. (150 g) (Fedrigoni), volume 1.27, printed 2/2 + varnish 2/c on pages with background.
- Cover in 3 mm thick lined cardboard. Dry stamping on the cover. Spine width: 0.46 In. (1.18 cm).
- 40 photographs printed with Fuji laser (RGB) on Fuji Crystal Archive matte photographic paper. Digital numbering on the front. Glued with 3 points of glue on Art Book pages.
- Photo protection paper translucent Golden Star K Extra White of 0.17 Lb. (80 g).
- Inside measurements: 11.4 x 14.56 In. (29 x 37,8 cm).
- Weight: 5.5 Lb. (2.5 kg).
STUDY BOOK
- Monolingual edition (two versions: in Spanish or English).
- 192 pages on Symbol Freelife Gloss paper of 0.44 Lb. (200 g) (Fedrigoni). Printed in 4 + 4 inks. Endpapers: Geltex black 191 LS of 0.39 Lb. (180 g).
- Cover printed in 4/0 and matte soft touch anti-fingerprint lamination. Spine width: 0.86 In. (2.2 cm).
- Measurements: 11.54 x 15.2 In. (29.4 x 38.6 cm).
- Weight: 5.3 Lb. (2.4 kg).
