These words from Douglas Wright, New Zealand's leading contemporary dancer and choreographer, about his last major work, 2006's Black Milk, could well describe himself.

Black Milk, which toured New Zealand and Australia, has now been documented in this remarkable book, based around photographs of rehearsals and live performances. The book is not only a testament to Wright's impact as a choreographer, but is also a stand-alone work of art photography by John Savage. Featuring the highest quality of production, it has also been designed by award-winning designer Alan Deare.

On seeing the initial photographs, Wright says: "I felt that here, for the only time in my experience in photography, someone had managed to capture the breathless sorcery of live dance-theatre without pulling its wings off."

The compelling images are accompanied by text from Wright, who offers insights into his intentions, working methods and artistic influences. Writer Leonard Wilcox expands on the challenging work's meanings, essentially "confronting a death-defying culture head on" and the acceptance that life and death are intertwined, not separate states.

Critics and the general public seem united in their reaction to Wright's provocative masterpiece. Black Milk has been variously described as "dark and violent, subversive, powerful, disquieting, death-challenging, disturbing, nightmarish, multi-layered, voyeuristic, harrowing, horrifying, but also exhilarating and hilarious". Wright has said: "I won't accept anything that doesn't haunt me." He delivered, as Savage's startling images confirm.