Artist Research for Mon. Oct. 8th

Hiroshi Sugimoto is probably best known for his seascapes. These sometimes long exposure images are executed perfectly not only in the camera, but in the darkroom as well. I enjoy them because of the difference in variation from place to place even though there is no visual hint at where each image is taken. Sugimoto lets us know of the variety of seas only through the title. These images make you compare the differences between water and sky and enjoy the similarities as well as the differences.

"Water and air. So very commonplace are these substances, they hardly attract attention―and yet they vouchsafe our very existence. The beginnings of life are shrouded in myth: Let there water and air. Living phenomena spontaneously generated from water and air in the presence of light, though that could just as easily suggest random coincidence as a Deity. Let's just say that there happened to be a planet with water and air in our solar system, and moreover at precisely the right distance from the sun for the temperatures required to coax forth life. While hardly inconceivable that at least one such planet should exist in the vast reaches of universe, we search in vain for another similar example. Mystery of mysteries, water and air are right there before us in the sea. Every time I view the sea, I feel a calming sense of security, as if visiting my ancestral home; I embark on a voyage of seeing." Hiroshi Sugimoto

While researching Sugimoto I found these images. I think these are my favorite of his. I really enjoy his exploration of time. These are of a candle from beginning to end with a window open. The images are ghostly which is fitting as these images are really the ghost of the candles Sugimoto used.

http://www.sugimotohiroshi.com/