Nobuyoshi Araki "Diary – Sentimental Journey" will be on view until November 24 at La Hune Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 16-18 Rue de l’Abbaye. photographs by Mazzy-Mae Green
Nobuyoshi Araki is a Japanese photographer born in Tokyo in 1940. Araki started his career as a commercial photographer before turning to diary-like documentation which included subjects ranging from the mundanity of everyday life to Japan’s underground sex industry. Continuing his exploration of erotic subjects, Araki incorporated Kinbaku, the Japanese art of bondage with other traditional Japanese themes to create what is now his defining aesthetic. With over 350 books published, Araki is one of the most prolific artists living or dead. This Fall, Supreme has worked with Araki on a Hooded Sweatshirt, Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Short Sleeve T-Shirt and a Zine featuring original photography. Available in-store NY, LA, London, Paris and online November 3rd.
“I’m now seeing things from the side of death. I’m looking at the world from the other side of the sky. That’s why it’s mirrored.” – Nobuyoshi Araki. This spring, Araki started shooting 6×7 color positive film and black and white photographs with date inscriptions in a diaristic manner documenting daily events and his emotions regarding life and death. In the current series, Araki presents everyday scenes in mirrored images to express the sense that he now sees the world from the side of death, i.e. the other side of the mirror. In 2013, after experiencing the onset and removal of prostate cancer and the death of his beloved cat Chiro, Araki suffered from central retinal artery occlusion and lost sight in his right eye. Despite this loss, he has continued to produce photographs at a prolific pace, transforming his sadness and thoughts on death into fuel for shooting photographs. This series is his first foray into shooting images with his perspective from “the other side.” The exhibition will be on view until June 20, 2015 at Taka Ishii Gallery Photography / Film in Tokyo.
