Eikoh Hosoe
mentioned that, photography to him, is not merely about going out and take
photograph but it is an alternative to create something. He is not a
documentary kind of photographer but rather known for his experimental and
philosophical style of works. “Photography can be simultaneously both a record
and a mirror or window of self-expression…” said House.
Born 1933
in Yamagata, Hosoe graduated from Tokyo College of Photography in 1951. Hosoe’s
work often has characteristic of high contrast, graphical, black and white,
portraying mysterious atmosphere that is sensual but disturbing. Some of the
subjects that Hosoe has explored include death, erotic obsession and
irrationality.
One of the interesting
series of Hosoe’s works that I love is titled ‘Ordeal by Roses’ with Yukio Mishima as a model . Mishima is one of
the most important Japanese authors of the 20th century. He is also
a poet, actor and film director. Hosoe was commissioned to photograph Mishima
for the cover of his book and Mishima has offered himself as a ‘subject matter’
to Hosoe for photographing.
I like the
first photograph that Hosoe made on Mishima. In this photograph, Mishima was
wrappedentire body in a hose at his
garden. The reason Hosoe did so was for the purpose of destructing a myth. He
wanted to destroy the preconceived image of Mishima and create a new Mishima.
Ordeal by Roses
Ordeal by Roses
Another series by Hosoe was named ‘Kamaitachi’
that depicts the story of a supernatural being that haunted the Japanese
countryside of Hosoe’s childhood. These photographs are in
black and white, mysterious, dream-like, with the performance of Hijikata, the
founder of dance performance art called Butoh. In this series, Hijikata is seen
as a wandering ghost confronting farmers and children.
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi
Hosoe is also known for his masterful studies in nudes and human body forms. The series 'Man and Woman' was released in 1960, depicting the rivalry between two genders. In 1971, he released another series called 'Embrace', capturing the dialogue between men and women.
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