Drawing on the classical photographic tradition, Sugimoto creates distilled, meditative images which unite the concrete and abstract, and contain meaningful conceptual underpinnings. His remarkable work seeks to materialise the ‘invisible realm of the mind’ and the unconscious.

The stunning survey exhibition presented at the Hayward Gallery in London includes important pieces from each of the artist’s main photographic series, emphasising Sugimoto’s whimsical and philosophical investigation into our perceptions of time, memory, and the creative and documentary potential of photography.

Lesser-known pieces in the exhibition also highlight the artist’s interest in mathematics, the optical sciences, and the history of photography. Themes encompass dioramas, architecture, and wax figures. Sugimoto has frequently revisited concepts and methods from 19th-century photography. He does this by combining his own darkroom chemicals and using a large-format wooden camera. Essential notions of time, space, and light have been stretched and altered throughout his work. This wonderful and important exhibition spans his entire oeuvre and career.

Hiroshi Sugimoto, who was born and bred in Tokyo, Japan, splits his time between the city and New York City. His images have been shown in prestigious institutions all around the world and have garnered praise on a global scale for the past 50 years. Though he is most recognised for his photography, Sugimoto is also an artistic director for performing arts shows and has more recently expanded his multidisciplinary career to include architecture and sculpture.

Bravo to the Hayward for staging such a significant and well-curated show and special praise to the lighting in each room which reach perfection in the theatre series room.

–

Images: Installation views of Hiroshi Sugimoto, gelatin silver prints. Image credits: Mark Blower, Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery.