Hiroshi Sugimoto
Hiroshi Sugimoto (b. 1948) is a celebrated Japanese artist whose photography captures the intersection of time, memory, and the natural world. His work is marked by its contemplative and meditative nature, often creating emotional resonance through its exploration of both the ephemeral and the eternal. Sugimoto’s photographic practice is grounded in an investigation of history, light, and the passage of time, frequently employing minimalist and meticulously crafted compositions that invite viewers to reflect on the fleeting and the infinite.
Hiroshi Sugimoto, U. A. Play House, New York,1978
Hiroshi Sugimoto, In Praise of Shadow 980727, 1998
Sugimoto’s most iconic works include his Theaters series (1978–1999), in which he captures the interior of old movie theaters with a long exposure that renders the entire screen as a glowing white light. This series evokes a sense of timelessness and nostalgia, while also raising questions about the nature of cinema, memory, and the persistence of artifice in our understanding of reality. Another significant body of work, Seascapes (1980–present), features serene, highly stylized images of oceans, often captured in a way that blurs the line between horizon and sky, offering an almost metaphysical representation of nature’s vastness.
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Sea of Buddha 001, 1995
Sugimoto’s work is emotionally moving in its quiet, meditative quality. The deliberate pace of his imagery encourages reflection on the passing of time and the impermanence of life. His photographs often transport the viewer into a state of stillness, where the overwhelming beauty of the natural world coexists with a subtle melancholy.
Sugimoto divides his time between Japan and the United States, where his photography continues to influence and resonate with global audiences. His work stands as a testament to the power of art to evoke deep emotional responses, making the invisible forces of time and memory visible through his lens.
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Opticks 121, 2018