Hiroshi sugimoto
Sugimoto was a Japanese photographer who captured minimalistic and conceptual images. His images of historical figures were intriguing as to begin with I struggled to understand whether these were physical subjects or drawings instead. After looking at the photographs for a while I noticed that they were images taken of historical tableaux. They are 3D models against paintings or images used as the backgrounds. I found this really intriguing as Sugimoto plays around with the idea of reality and fiction. He uses subjects that we know no longer exist and tries to convince us that they are real through the power of photography.
He then replicates and expands on this technique when photographing portraits of famous figures in history. Sugimoto photographs wax figures in Madame Tussauds museum in London. However, the way he captures them creates the false reality that these people, who are no longer alive, were there for a physical photo. Again, Sugimoto's photography intrigues and destroys the comfort of what we think we know, making us second guess ourselves. The editing and presentation Sugimoto has decided to use completes the barrier of fact and fiction.
Sugimoto also decided to photograph architectural buildings in an out of focus frame. This was because he was interested in early 20th century buildings. Because there was a common design for these modernist buildings across the world at this time, he decided to defocus the lens so that the shapes and silhouettes captured the spirit and essence of the building rather than the specific building. He emphasised that if you captured the photo in too much detail, they would be too identifiable so he chose to un-focus the camera as it showed them as the generalised type of building rather than the distinct one.
Hiroshi also took photos of differtn theatres. The stage, where people would perform, is clearly lit up significantly more than the rest of the images. This is because Sugimoto wanted a way to capture time in his photography. He did this by taking long exposures of the subject, usually using an old-fashioned wooden camera. He believed this created an uncanny atmosphere within his work as well as showing the time behind his photography.
Sugimoto's photos were displayed in the South Bank Centre. The way the gallery was presented was really interesting. It was extremely spacious and quite dingy and dark. I think this was so that the light that is included in his time machine images stood out. The darkness brought full attention to the pictures. I would personally say that the gallery was extremely sophisticated and relaxed which I believe reflects Sugimoto's own work well.
He then replicates and expands on this technique when photographing portraits of famous figures in history. Sugimoto photographs wax figures in Madame Tussauds museum in London. However, the way he captures them creates the false reality that these people, who are no longer alive, were there for a physical photo. Again, Sugimoto's photography intrigues and destroys the comfort of what we think we know, making us second guess ourselves. The editing and presentation Sugimoto has decided to use completes the barrier of fact and fiction.
Sugimoto also decided to photograph architectural buildings in an out of focus frame. This was because he was interested in early 20th century buildings. Because there was a common design for these modernist buildings across the world at this time, he decided to defocus the lens so that the shapes and silhouettes captured the spirit and essence of the building rather than the specific building. He emphasised that if you captured the photo in too much detail, they would be too identifiable so he chose to un-focus the camera as it showed them as the generalised type of building rather than the distinct one.
Hiroshi also took photos of differtn theatres. The stage, where people would perform, is clearly lit up significantly more than the rest of the images. This is because Sugimoto wanted a way to capture time in his photography. He did this by taking long exposures of the subject, usually using an old-fashioned wooden camera. He believed this created an uncanny atmosphere within his work as well as showing the time behind his photography.
Sugimoto's photos were displayed in the South Bank Centre. The way the gallery was presented was really interesting. It was extremely spacious and quite dingy and dark. I think this was so that the light that is included in his time machine images stood out. The darkness brought full attention to the pictures. I would personally say that the gallery was extremely sophisticated and relaxed which I believe reflects Sugimoto's own work well.
diado moriyama
Diado Moriyama is Japanese photographer who is famous for his gritty images that are usually displayed in black and white. His photos portray post-war Japan. His work was shown in the Photographer's Gallery in London. His work encapsulates the grainy and blurry look that a compact camera leaves him with. His images have become extremely popular with his arguably most famous photo of a 'stray dog' becoming a powerful symbol within Japan.
I really enjoyed looking at his work as I think it well represents the chaos behind his candid style of art. His photography often shows strangers with a focus on something that clearly interests Moriyama. His style of portraits are seen as more spontaneous as most are not staged. Diado captures people and a few places in their original format. This is how he wishes to present them to us as viewers. For me this is an extremely interesting and unique way of photographing his life and the things that bring him amusement. Although his work is far more anarchic than Sugimoto's, some may argue that it is less intriguing. This is because you can see the subjects faces meaning there are often less questions to be asked. This does not take away from the talent and imagination behind each of his images.
As our task was to take photos of his work involving his style of photography, I decided to use my friends as subjects whilst incorporating his photography. In specific floors at the gallery, light was used to project his images as well as a lot of bright colours. This helped be bring his chaotic style of unbalanced photography into mine.
I really enjoyed looking at his work as I think it well represents the chaos behind his candid style of art. His photography often shows strangers with a focus on something that clearly interests Moriyama. His style of portraits are seen as more spontaneous as most are not staged. Diado captures people and a few places in their original format. This is how he wishes to present them to us as viewers. For me this is an extremely interesting and unique way of photographing his life and the things that bring him amusement. Although his work is far more anarchic than Sugimoto's, some may argue that it is less intriguing. This is because you can see the subjects faces meaning there are often less questions to be asked. This does not take away from the talent and imagination behind each of his images.
As our task was to take photos of his work involving his style of photography, I decided to use my friends as subjects whilst incorporating his photography. In specific floors at the gallery, light was used to project his images as well as a lot of bright colours. This helped be bring his chaotic style of unbalanced photography into mine.