Ahrens Editions

Monochromia Botanica is a photographic monograph of the work of artist Benny Asrul. A meditation for the eyes as much as for the mind, Asrul’s photographic exploration of the Singapore Botanic Garden is a page-by-page retreat inward. Each photograph is paired with a thought-provoking ‘word’ to meditate on as our eyes surrender on the meticulously composed image IT pertains to. Asrul’s monograph encourages the viewer to slow down while turning over its pages from “Melancholy”… “Delicate”… “Impartial”… “Inspire” to… “Solitude”.

While Benny Asrul is more commonly known for his travel photography, what remains consistent in this work to other series he’s produced, is his traditional choice of vintage format camera and his use of black and white film. The photographs in this collection were all taken with a Hasselblad 503CW camera bringing photography back to its most basic and simple form. These images are about the careful study of light, the passing time of day with particular attention to seasonal changes; from the birth of a bulb to the eventual decay of its late summer leaves.

Monochromia Botanica is a collection of 42 photographs printed in duotone inks. Published by 6by6press, the first edition of this book is limited to 500 copies all numbered and signed by the artist and available in two cover variations. At 100 pages and 9 x 9 inches, the books numbered 1-25 are part of the deluxe (red cover) edition, and books 26-500 belong to the regular edition. Clothbound and hardcover, the cover’s title text is embossed and features a tipped-in image.

An art piece in itself, Monochromia Botanica is a beautifully humble addition to any photo book collection.