Chobi Mela X A peek into the world of Gerhard Steidl

Gerhard Steidl, among the world's most respected printers and publishers, and the founder of the German publishing company, Steidl, spoke about the beauty of analogue books in the digital era and explored his inspiration and process as a bookmaker at an event this week.

 The talk, entitled, 'Steidl Book Culture - Why Analogue Matters', took place at Goethe- Institut Bangladesh in Dhanmondi as a part of Chobi Mela X. Considered as one of the most significant photography events in Asia and the first of a regular biennale, Chobi Mela - International Festival of Photography, is organised by Drik Picture Library Ltd and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. 21 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Nepal, USA and others, are participating this year.

Gerhard Steidl addresses the audience at the lecture. Photo: Kazi Salahuddin Razu

During the talk, Steidl shared his thoughts on the potential and limitations of both the analogue and the digital world. Although digital publishing is more practical and accessible, for Steidl, the text on the internet cannot serve the function of a printed book. Not surprisingly, it was evident that a man who spends his life producing physical objects has a strong preference for analogue as opposed to digital.

Among others, book lovers, art enthusiasts and members of the local photography community attended the lecture, which followed the screening of the documentary film, How to Make a Book With Steidl by Jörg Adolf and Gereon Wetzel. Steidl is a publisher in a small town; however, the company is recognised as the producer of the most beautiful photographic books in the world and is loved by celebrities such as Nobel Prize winner Günter Grass, photographer Robert Frank and Chanel's head designer, Karl Lagerfeld. How to Make a Book With Steidl addresses Steidl's enthusiasm, philosophy, and attitude toward publishing as well as how the most beautiful books are created. It offers an insight into Steidl's process of working with artists and colleagues to produce books at the publishing company he founded in 1972. He actively collaborates with the artists or the photographers whose work sparks his interest and curiosity. Every Steidl book distinguishes itself through individual design and production values. Known for his passion for paper, Steidl personally selects the paper and binding materials for each title and oversees all aspects of the production process – each Steidl book really passes through his hands. By the end of the talk, the audience was left with nothing but admiration for Steidl's creative energy and untiring dedication.