Hiroshi Sugimoto. In Praise of Shadows. First Edition. Fine Condition w/Slipcase

Description: Hiroshi Sugimoto. IN PRAISE OF SHADOWS. Published in Japan by the Korinsha Press & Co., Ltd. on March 20, 1999. FIRST EDITION. Published as part of the CCA Artists' Book Series. Original CCA Subscription Order Form laid in. The relationship between Hiroshi Sugimoto's book of photographs, In Praise of Shadows, and Junichiro Tanizaki's 1933 essay of the same title is grounded in a shared aesthetic philosophy that explores the beauty of shadows, subtlety, and the interplay between light and darkness in Japanese art and culture. Both works delve into the nuances of perception and the role of shadows in evoking a sense of mystery, tranquility, and depth. Tanizaki's essay, In Praise of Shadows, is a seminal work that reflects on traditional Japanese aesthetics, particularly the preference for shadows and subdued light over the harsh clarity of Western lighting. Tanizaki argues that shadows, dimness, and the play of light and dark are essential to the Japanese sense of beauty, which contrasts with the Western inclination toward brightness and clarity. His reflections span architecture, interior design, cuisine, and even the complexion of Japanese women, emphasizing the importance of shadow in creating depth and a contemplative atmosphere. The essay is both a critique of the encroachment of Western modernity and an appreciation of the subtle, muted elegance found in traditional Japanese culture. Hiroshi Sugimoto's photographic book, In Praise of Shadows, can be seen as a visual counterpart to Tanizaki's literary exploration. Sugimoto, a contemporary Japanese photographer known for his minimalist and conceptual works, creates images that resonate with Tanizaki's emphasis on shadows and the in-between spaces of light and dark. His photographs often capture scenes in a way that highlights the beauty of gradations between light and shadow, evoking a meditative stillness and an almost timeless quality. By focusing on long exposures and blurred lines, Sugimoto's work visually echoes the themes of ambiguity, transience, and the ineffable qualities that Tanizaki admired. Both Tanizaki and Sugimoto appreciate the subtleties of shadow and the way they shape perception, inviting viewers and readers to slow down and contemplate the ordinary with a fresh, discerning eye. While Tanizaki's essay provides a philosophical framework, Sugimoto's photographs serve as a modern visual exploration of these ideas. Through his lens, Sugimoto brings Tanizaki's concepts into a contemporary context, showing that the play of shadows continues to hold aesthetic and philosophical significance in an age of digital clarity and artificial lighting. The relationship between Hiroshi Sugimoto's book and Junichiro Tanizaki's essay lies in their mutual celebration of shadows as a core element of Japanese aesthetics. Sugimoto's photographs can be seen as a continuation and visual elaboration of Tanizaki's thoughts, transcending the written word to explore how shadows can reveal the unseen and the unspoken. Together, they form a dialogue across time—between word and image—affirming the enduring relevance of the shadow as a profound element of beauty in Japanese art and thought. Every Item I sell is guaranteed to match the description written above. A refund, including shipping, will be issued for any items that do not. Please contact me through Bay messaging should you have any questions before you bid or buy. I will be happy to reply with whatever information I may have.

Price: 475 USD

Location: East Barre, Vermont

End Time: 2024-10-30T01:00:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD