BOOK REVIEWS

The Book Reviews section of scopio Network provides a critical platform for reflecting on contemporary practices across photography, architecture, art, and visual culture. Bringing together contributions from researchers, practitioners, and curators, it foregrounds publications that challenge established narratives and expand the boundaries of image-based discourse.

Situated within the editorial framework of AAI | Architecture, Art and Image at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP), the section engages with both emerging and established authors, addressing the material, conceptual, and political dimensions of the book as a medium. Particular attention is given to artist books, photobooks, and interdisciplinary works operating between research and practice.

The section is structured through a complementary editorial approach that integrates two distinct yet interrelated formats: short reviews and long reviews. Short reviews tend to be more intuitive, image-driven, and exploratory, offering space for emerging voices and experimental forms of critical engagement. In contrast, long reviews adopt a more essayistic and contextual perspective, providing in-depth critical analysis typically authored by more established contributors.

Through this dual format, the section not only contextualises recent publications but also encourages diverse modes of reading and writing. It reflects scopio Network’s broader commitment to fostering critical debate and exploring the evolving role of images in shaping contemporary culture, knowledge production, and spatial practices.