- Hiroshi Sugimoto -

Back with another AOTM (Artist of the Month) and June’s spotlight is on Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. I first came across Sugimoto’s captivating photographs on a visit to the Tate Modern in London where his work was included in an exhibition entitled ‘Capturing the Moment’ which looked at the relationship between painting and photography. Although I still feel very unfamiliar with photography and its art form, I am enjoying widening my horizons of artistic interest to include media that is new to me and seeing and researching Hiroshi Sugimoto has been incredibly eye-opening.

Most well known for his seascapes, Sugimoto’s photography is striking and acts as an expression in which time is exposed. Sugimoto commented that ‘Every time I view the sea, I feel a calming sense of security’, which I feel many people will resonate with; however, when I first saw his seascapes I was simultaneously overcome by a sense of loneliness and awe. The sharp edge of the horizon cuts across the middle of the frame dividing the image into two halves that add to the juxtaposing emotions of being alone yet comforted by the sea. With this in mind, along with the black and white palette the contrast conveys the idea of peace versus hostility, where the weather can alter the characteristics of the water and air alike, creating either peaceful and serene or dangerous and violent environment. Due to this the seascapes are certainly an area of mystery in Sugimoto’s body work as it is difficult to know the behaviour of the sea and sky at the moment the photo was captured, suggesting why they are so captivating.

Sugimoto has taken photos from all across the globe giving his work, revealing an insight into different cultures, natures and ways of life. although his seascapes are arguably the most recognisable, Sugimoto’s images of animals and people are equally as impactful. Supported by Sugimoto’s characteristic black and white perspective, the subject of life, over that of the sea, reveal an almost unnerving beauty that is only found in the quietness of life and nature. With the absence of colour fully strips back the complexities and differences between life on earth; instead the monochromatic images show a certain rawness; the only thing that should b. concentrated on are the lifeforms.

Additionally, Sugimoto is an accomplished architect. He uses this skill and knowledge to constructs exhibitions as well as in several uniques sculptures and structures across the world, such as the Glass Tea House Mondrian at the Grand Trianon of the Chateau de Versailles in Paris, France, constructed in 2018.

Sugimoto’s work is unarguably stunning and has inspired me to look more into the art of photography.