Hiroshi Sugimoto: (Post)(Modern) photographer?

Hiroshi Sugimoto, "Theaters" (1978 -)
Pictured: Cinerama Dome, Hollywood, 1993

During our class trip to the "MOCA's First Thirty Years" exhibition at the Geffen Contemporary, I was struck by the three featured works of Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. I had first seen Sugimoto's work several years ago at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco and was struck by their beauty and technical perfection. With this knowledge gained through this class, however, the photographs took on a very different meaning this time around.

In class, we've discussed at length the differences between modernist "art photography" (as Solomon-Godeau labels it) and postmodern photography, as exemplified by the "Pictures" generation. What I find so intriguing about Sugimoto's work is how it straddles - or perhaps blurs - the distiction between these two photographic movements. Consider the two works that I have featured in this post, selections from Sugimoto's "Theatres" and "Seascapes" series. At a technical level, these works are brilliant; they remind me of the work of Edward Weston in their rich black and white tones and undeniable visual beauty. Interestingly, Sugimoto - like Weston - uses a traditional 8 x 10 manual camera, despite the availibility of new photographic technologies.

That said, there is a definite postmodern aspect to Sugimoto's work. Postmodern art as a whole priviledges the signifier over the signified, and accordingly, Sugimoto's work is also a reflection on the medium of photography itself. In his own words, Sugimoto describes photography as "the fossilization of time," and his work is centered upon the idea of "capturing" the passage of time. To make his "Theaters" series, Sugimoto sets his exposure to last for the duration of the movie. Similarly, to make his "Seascapes," Sugimoto stations his camera above the sea and then leaves the exposure open for anywhere from several days to two to three weeks. The result, I would argue, is images (the signified) that are both beautiful in a traditional technical and stylistic sense as well highly aware of the processes of signification.

"Seascapes" Series - Sea of Japan, Ruben Island, 1996

While researching Sugimoto, I found this excellent PBS documentary that features several contemporary artists (including Sugimoto). It's interesting to hear the artist reflect on his work, as well as discuss the influence of Duchamp on his photography. Definitely worth checking out.