Life is full of extremes -- happiness and sorrow, birth and death. This is especially true for Japanese master photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, who, in his 70s, has been forced to confront some hard truths about life. The results can be seen in his new photo exhibition "Life By Film".
Until Nov 27, the show, featuring 30 striking monochromes taken on Leica M6 and 7 film cameras, is on display at Gaysorn Village's Leica Gallery Bangkok. The works reflect Araki's attitude towards life after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and cardiovascular degeneration, while simultaneously losing the vision in his right eye.
From 'Life By Film' by Nobuyoshi Araki. Photo © Life by Film by Nobuyoshi Araki
Now aged 79, he has come to realise how close he is to death. Instead of sinking into depression, he has learned to live happily by drinking in his surroundings and appreciating the time he has left. He continues to take photos to express his gratitude to the gods for giving him his talent.
Artist Hisako Motoo, curator of the exhibition, has worked with Araki for more than three decades. She explains that she selected Araki's latest works to reflect his current outlook.
From "Life By Film" by Nobuyoshi Araki Photo © Life by Film by Nobuyoshi Araki
"Now he focuses on how to live life and his works are more lively too. He often says that the older you get, the better your photography becomes," said Motoo, who also operates AM art space, an independent experimental art hub.
Recognised for his I-photography style, Araki's work plays with light and shadow. The new collection of black-and-white images invites visitors to explore Araki's house, starting with the playground, in which toys are captured in different postures.
Nobuyoshi Araki. Photo: Pattarawadee Saengmanee
A giant cat hides behind a shrub, a large doll head sits on a flower. A naked male doll is surrounded by female doll heads. Meanwhile, a nude model poses on a tree.
"Araki realises that life is a beautiful thing. He still has fun taking pictures of his surroundings, like his dolls and flowers. His perspective is still pure even though he's getting older. His works mirror childishness ... kids don't know what is right or wrong," Motoo explained.
Araki shot many of his works with his first Leica M6. Later, Leica gave him an M7 with his name engraved on it.
"Life By Film" by Nobuyoshi Araki at Leica Gallery Bangkok. Wichan Charoenkiatpakul
"Araki isn't opposed to digital," Motoo went on. "It's suitable for some, just not for him. For example, when you take a shot in darkness, sometimes a digital camera makes it too bright. Many people love digital cameras because they can show what you capture on a screen in no time. But Araki prefers classic film cameras because he likes to wait."
Another photograph portrays a beautiful woman in kimono sitting in a Japanese courtyard, admiring the beauty of nature. For Araki, the bedroom seems to be the most private space; many of his most intimate, erotic images feature such a backdrop.
From "Life By Film" by Nobuyoshi Araki Photo © Life by Film by Nobuyoshi Araki
"It's hard to explain what messages and emotions Araki wants to convey through his nude photographs," Motoo said. "I think Araki wants to support the feminist movement, even through his erotic works have been criticised in Japan. Women have the right to pose nude and express who they are or feel.
"All models are willing to be part of the artworks. Araki respects them. He just wants to present women in the most beautiful ways, different from what the world is familiar with."
In the early 90s, Motoo started working with Araki by curating the photography exhibition "Tenshi-Sai" (Exhibition Of Deities) -- featuring portraits of women and flowers to express the power of the gods.
Having already established himself as a major talent in his native Japan, Araki made waves on the international stage in 1992 with his solo exhibition "AKT -- Tokyo", which toured throughout Japan and Europe. Today, he is internationally acclaimed, and counts among his admirers the likes of Bjork and Lady Gaga.
Curator Hisako Motoo. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul
"In Japan, Araki gained a reputation in the 80s. He inspired me in developing my own work. His works have unique style. He doesn't like to repeat himself and always offers new ideas," Motoo said. "Araki likes to capture pictures of his parents, wife and pets because they will become valuable memories when they pass away."
Life By Film is on view now until Nov 27 at Leica Gallery Bangkok, 2nd floor of Gaysorn Village, Phloenchit Road.
