A Review of the Tsushima Cyanotypes

      The Tsushima Cyanotypes is a striking black-and-blue photobook featuring cyanotypes by KC Ahonen, limited to only 200 copies. I enjoyed flipping through the 76 pages of this A5-sized uncoated book and admiring the 30 expertly printed blue-on-white cyanotype images. However, the most profound aspect of this book was the artist’s statement, where KC disclosed the origins of his images and their eerie connection to our contemporary lives within a digital realm of ones and zeros. In this review, I cover: Tsushima 1281, the manifestation of fiction through cyanotypes, the book's layout and design, its paper, binding, and print quality, my thoughts on the book, and where to purchase it. Support this blog and enjoy premium features with GOLD memberships! ✪ Note: Daren, one of the founders of Soft Grain Books, provided me this book for review at no cost. Regardless of how I receive products, I remain impartial in my critiques because your trust and readership are paramount.

      Tsushima 1281. The pandemic plunged the world into lockdown in 2020. During this time, KC found himself confined to a basement with his roommate for weeks. Trapped in a dark space, Ahonen and his friend immersed themselves in the realm of video games, with The Ghost of Tsushima as their escape. Set in Japan around the year 1281, they were tasked with fending off the Mongol invasion, spending their days in an ancient world that provided a stark contrast to the modern-day anxieties.

      KC is an artist inspired by exploring new realms. In 2020, the world that influenced him was virtual—a violent, cinematic game featuring beautifully crafted Japanese landscapes.

      Manifested fiction through cyanotypes. The Ghost of Tsushima has undeniably influenced KC’s creative process. It drove him to capture countless screenshots, employing the same techniques he would in traditional photography. However, screencaps alone were insufficient for KC; he sought to infuse his vision into the world he perceived beyond the pixels. After years of experimentation, he settled on the cyanotype process. This printing technique, originating in 1842, provided the colors and textures that transformed the video game stills into works of art. His work suddenly burst with life, prompting his peers to wonder how he managed to visit Japan during the full lockdown. I too believed the prints were made from photographs until I read the preface.

      Book layout and design. The Tsushima Cyanotypes showcases a straightforward, user-friendly layout where each print occupies a full leaf; the prints are featured on the right-hand side while the left pages remain largely blank, displaying only an index number. I appreciated the clean and cohesive feel of the book, though I wished for some accompanying text about each piece. I’m one of those people who stands annoyingly close to gallery artwork, reading every word of the artist’s statement. Therefore, I was especially grateful for the well-crafted introductory text that portrayed the story behind the images, detailing their origins and drawing me deeper into the narrative.

      Paper, binding, and print. The book consists of 76 perfectly bound pages measuring 23cm × 15cm (9” × 5.9”). I estimate the inner pages to be around 40gsm, with a 60gsm soft cover. The blue tones are ideal for the prints, although I would advise caution with the cover, as it may show signs of wear if handled carelessly.

      What I thought of the book. I enjoyed the story and images in this book. It provoked thought; even though it didn't take long to read, I relished researching the history and the video game while exploring new creative avenues with the cyanotype process. I will certainly refer back to it multiple times this year as I continue my own creative studies.

      Where to buy this book. The Tsushima Cyanotypes is available directly from the publisher for $35 CAD (approximately $25 US) or $115 CAD (around $80 US) with a one-of-a-kind 8×10 print of your choice (with ten print options in total). The prints are handmade and signed.