Dogbreath
Matthew Genitempo
Dogbreath is a book of black and white photographs centered around a community of adolescents in Tucson, Arizona.
It is Matthew Genitempo‘s third book. His first book Jasper is about people who have sought escape in the forests and mountains of the Ozarks. It was a considerable success. The second title is Mother of Dogs. It contains images taken on walks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with Bryan Schutmaat and Cody Haltom, Genitempo (born 1983) runs photobook publisher Trespasser. Trespasser is also the publisher of Dogbreath.
Dogbreath depicts a series of adolescents as they navigate a fraught and changing world. The book paints a sympathetic view of teenagers adrift in what remains of their adolescence. Dogbreath presents an enigmatic, psychologically engaging portrait of youth on the edge.
The images are interspersed with texts about a boy named Dove. He speaks of underground pagans, scrap salvaging and the search for gold. The texts about Dove connects the unassuming ability to fit in.
There’s also audio accompaniment by Michael A. Muller with the book. Via digital link or optional cassette tape. In summary, this is a fine photobook. One of the best of 2024.
Dogbreath
Photographer: Matthew Genitempo
Published by Trespasser in 2024
29 x 38 cm, 108 pages, 55 tritone plates on uncoated paper
3 variations of cloth cover with tip-in image and foil stamp text
Chosen by people immersed in the photobook world as one of their favorite photobooks of 2024