Please join us on Sunday, December 3rd (4:00 - 6:00 PM) for a book signing and discussion with Alec Soth and Kate Albers. We're continuing our celebration of all things MACK with this special event for the new MACK edition of Sleeping With The Mississippi. 

Alec Soth's Sleeping by the Mississippi is one of the defining publications in the photobook era. First published in 2004, Soth’s first book sold through three editions and established him as one of the leading lights of contemporary photographic practice. Now, having been out of print for the better part of a decade, MACK has produced a lovely new edition to coincide with the first London exhibition dedicated to the series at Beetles+Huxley gallery that restores the book's original cover and reproduces two new photographs not included in the previous versions of the book.

Evolving from a series of road trips along the Mississippi River, Sleeping by the Mississippi captures America’s iconic yet oft-neglected ‘third coast’. Soth’s richly descriptive, large-format color photographs present an eclectic mix of individuals, landscapes, and interiors. Sensuous in detail and raw in subject, Sleeping by the Mississippi elicits a consistent mood of loneliness, longing, and reverie. "In the book’s forty-six ruthlessly edited pictures", writes Anne Wilkes Tucker in her essay included in the original publication book, "Soth alludes to illness, procreation, race, crime, learning, art, music, death, religion, redemption, politics, and cheap sex."

Like Robert Frank’s classic The Americans, Sleeping by the Mississippi merges a documentary style with poetic sensibility. The Mississippi is less the subject of the book than its organizing structure. Not bound by a rigid concept or ideology, the series is created out of a quintessentially American spirit of wanderlust. Thirteen years since the book was first published, the artist’s lyrical view has undoubtedly acquired a nuanced significance – one in which hope, fear, desire and regret coalesce in the evocative journey along this mythic river.

Please join us this Sunday, December 3rd between 4:00 and 6:00 PM for a very special discussion between Alec Soth and photographic historian Kate Albers followed by a book signing as part of Arcana's exhibition of books, prints, and special editions spanning the history of MACK publishing house. In addition to "Sleeping by the Mississippi",  "Songbook", and "Gathered Leaves", we will have virtually the entire MACK back-catalogue available for sale along with a few of Mr. Soth's rare, earlier titles. MACK has produced a lovely little catalogue limited to one hundred copies specially for the event that will be included on a first come, first served basis - one per customer - with each purchase of one hundred dollars! Also, a stylish "Ravens" black canvas book bag will accompany each copy of the lovely new reissue of Masahisa Fukase's photobook classic. Guests in attendance will be photographers Thomas Demand, Anthony Hernandez, Torbjørn Rødland, Fumi Ishino, and more. This MACKstravaganza will continue through December 24th with additional book signings, discussions, and special events. See you later today to kick off the Holiday shopping season, and stay tuned for forthcoming event details! If you cannot attend but covet something from the MACK universe, please write, or call us at 310-458-1499.

PLEASE NOTE: We're anticipating a robust turnout Sunday, so early arrival to insure seating is encouraged. Out of respect for our guest of honor, co-hosts, and attendees, Mr. Soth will only be signing books that have been purchased from Arcana on the day of the event or as pre-orders. Sales will be limited to one copy of each Alec Soth title per person. If you have any questions about these policies, please contact us in advance.