€ 45.00 – € 55.00
This magnificent Portfolio of 577 full colour photographs, taken over seven years and poignantly capturing a time and cultures that no longer exist, remained boxed away for decades as Mark continued to travel and work around the world. Finally, while locked down during the global covid-19 pandemic, he took out the photographs and put them together with 26 sketch illustrations, construction methods, tribal histories and his own memories of adventures into this 303 page volume. His work provides a rare insight into the lives (at that time) of indigenous peoples from 14 tribal groups of six different southern African countries and complex historical forces that impacted their vernacular architectural traditions.
“This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever seen. We proudly present this book now on our table for everyone to read. The cover is beautiful and from high-quality material, the pictures that have been restored from the 1980s are just amazingly beautiful, and the writing in the book so personal and touching that it makes readers experience Southern Africa through Mark’s eyes. This book offers a unique insight into the self-built and rural homes of the indigenous people in Southern Africa in the 1980s, told and captured beautifully through Mark’s lens. Would highly recommend.”
I had the chance to have Mark last year and get a copy of his book. Beautiful pictures, super interesting and very rare work. I highly recommended for anyone passionate about photography and architecture
Huts is the perfect coffee table book for one’s home. The beautiful photographs speak for themselves and will bring you to the heart of tribal Africa.
Follow Mark on his extraordinary journey through Southern Africa in the 1980s. He captures a moment in time — the soul of the people and architecture — through glorious photographs and epic stories of his journey. This beautiful book is truly a treasure.
HUTS is the African adventure we all dream of… Photographer, architect, and adventurer Mark Smoot takes us on an intimate visual and personal journey to the quickly vanishing rural architecture of 6 countries. HUTS chronicles not only the astonishing aesthetic beauty of these humble homestead buildings but serves as an invaluable historical/ architectural record complete with detailed journal drawings and architectural site plans. Part cultural anthropology of how people live in the present and recent past, part personal story, and part historical document of material building forms as cultural symbols and works of art, Smoot’s book captures an important and intimate look into home. – James LL Morrison
An absolutely beautiful book, with not only stunning images of Southern Africa’s tribal dwellings from the 1980’s but also includes present-day commentaries after major historical events have unfolded. Mark’s personal anecdotes make the book all the more special as he takes you along on his journey. Enjoy the experience as I have (and much more)! K
What an incredibly beautiful coffee table book.. I could not resist buying this as a Christmas present for my husband. Mark is an amazing photographer and his photos really tell a story. He truly portrays an African tale. Well done Mark. Definitely a book high on my list as a gift for my clients, friends and family. A book to be treasured!