Photography is the science, art, application and practice of creating images. Poetically put, a photography is a moment held in time, that generates a response in the viewer, be it disgust, admiration, nostalgia, remembrance or a myriad of other emotional or logical responses. A photographer is then, the person who takes photographs, or as the word implies from its greek root, someone who draws with light.
Historically, the photographer has been one who creates stills of life and preserves them for the future, but photography as an art has evolved quite a lot from this humble start. Nowadays, particularly in the realms of design and fashion, photography is the most powerful communicator there is. In a visual era that relies on imagery to convey meaning, with a population that is more focused on visual content by the day, it reigns supreme.
This is why I want to showcase the work of several Japanese photographers that have caught my attention, and who have transcended the realm of the technical into true artistry. Their work can be said to be easily recognized, a creative’s voice and soul found throughout their work, leaving a distinct imprint on the viewer.
Mika Ninagawa
She achieved international succes in fashion due to her photography, often incorporating glodfish, flowers and brightly colored objects into her work. Her pictures a dinamic display of colour, with objects, nature and people playing their part in creating a surreal and fairy like composition. Her succes led her to move into directing film and music videos.
Yasumasa “Yone” Yonehara
Yone is famously known for using a Polaroid as his main camera and of course the tone of soft porn some of his pictures have. His work focuses on street fashion with a very distinct pop feel about it, filled to the brim of young asian models in very alluring and insinuating poses. He has achieved popularity both in China and Japan with his portrayal of Djing culture and, his in your face, unapologetic way of presenting his work. Which has been ripped off by American Apparel countless times for their advertisement campaigns. In his own words he is documenting women who are symbols of an era, and by his editing he is transforming what could be crass porn into a work of art.
Sayaka Maruyama
Born in Japan, Sayaka moved when very young to Holland and afterwards to England, when her interest in photography took a serious turn, giving her a varied cultural background that helped her to form a very unique point of view. She also draws on classic Japanese references, and surrealism, all the while exploring notions of beauty from both Western and Eastern perspectives. Her work is aimed to encourage viewers to question their own perspectives on beauty.
Yasunari Kikuma
Having being featured in Elle, Vogue, Dazed and Confused and many more fashion magazines, Yasunari has specialized in glossy cover photographies. His subjects include Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz and more. Another aspect of his work includes artsy shots in black and white and an amazing portrayal of the human body.
If you enjoyed these four artists and photographers, stay tuned for the next post!
Credit and disclaimer: All photos belong to their respective owners.
THE WANDERER 