Eikoh
Hosoe
“I love beautiful things, and I want to
indEikoh Hosoe is a Japanese photographer and filmmaker who emerged in the experimental arts movement of post-World War II Japan. Hosoe is best known for his dark, high contrast, black and white photographs of human bodies. His images are often psychologically charged, exploring subjects such as death, erotic obsession, and irrationality. His work is not only notable for its artistic influence but for its wider contribution to the reputations of his subjects.
“I love beautiful things, and I want to
indStorytelling in Hosoe’s photography is based on an indescribable fantasy world that exists between the photographer and photographic subject(s); a unique moment of space, time, and feeling is captured on camera, during the vivid exchange of ideas. Dramatic and dreamlike, Hosoe’s imagery remains radical, powerful, and moving.
“I love beautiful things, and I want to
indWith his distinct visual language, pioneering collaborative approach, and relentless activity promoting photography in Japan he has been one of the country’s most influential photographers since the postwar era. He has inspired his peers as well as younger generations of artists.
Kubota has proved to be a remarkably
indIt is said that the kamaitachi spirit resembles a weasel, rides on a whirlwind, flies through the air, and moves so incredibly fast that before you know it it’s already gone. With strong and sharp claws, the invisible beast attacks suddenly and sucks blood from its victim’s wounds.
Kubota has proved to be a remarkably
indSuch a kamaitachi, half-naked and with its clothing blown up by the wind, jumps high in front of a group of curious farm children. Darkly surreal, a female head appears under a male arm and stares at the viewer, her eyes wide open. An androgynous figure runs across Tokyo. A young woman sits pensively between portrait paintings and striking busts with crying faces. Hauntingly poetic and depicted in high-contrast, these scenes tell of human physicality, sexuality, and a wide array of emotions. The images, by the legendary Japanese photographer and filmmaker Eikoh Hosoe, are expressive, subjective, and mythic; they whisper, speak, and shout fantastical stories that engrave themselves in the viewer’s mind.
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Eikoh Hosoe
Photographer Eikoh Hosoe on his work and inspirations
Eikoh Hosoe came to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to launch the exhibition 'Eikoh Hosoe: theatre of memory'. In this video he discusses his work and inspirations.
2011