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George Appletree's avatar

I was very interested in Sugimoto twenty years ago. His minimalist but perfectionist approach fed me up at the end, everything arranged without even a gap to ‘let living’. The wax museum series really boring. The sea for instance treated as an intellectual concept (because his shots are sooo long) instead of like a materials source of living. Oh, but he sells very well at high prices and galleries are proud to get their commissions. Commercial stuff

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/ℭ.'s avatar

That's interesting; it happened the other way around for me. At first, his work felt cold and soulless. Like you, I relate more to instinctual creation; I don't like his "Portraits" series either. However, with time and a better understanding of his creative process, his discipline and dedication to the technicalities of his medium intrigued me. I find his "Lightning Fields" series beautiful, which I've learned was born from a mistake along the way - quite a nice contradiction. I can see though why the overintellectual aspect of his work can tire both the eye and the mind.

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George Appletree's avatar

Theaters are also over something and monotonous. After visiting Tokyo it really interests me less

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søren k. harbel's avatar

Nice! Sugimoto is a very interesting man. He has dabbled in a lot of things. He recently did the interior design of a condo in New York, which was for sale for a cool $135 million. I apologize in advance for the agent, he would definitely not be my choice, but the Sugimoto touch is very interesting (youtube video is linked below). He was responsible for a glass tea-house in Venice - a temporary installation - a few years ago, which turned traditional Japanese architecture on its head. His theatres are still my favourite.

Here is the condo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Iw5lxkQibU

Thank you for bringing Sugimoto to the front row! He deserves it!

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/ℭ.'s avatar

Thanks for sharing! This apartment is out of this world, but not my interior style either to be honest. I do love the concept and appreciate the attention to detail, though. "Theaters" are my second favourites after "Lightning Fields;" I get the appeal. It's always rewarding to read such comments. I hope I did his photography justice.

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søren k. harbel's avatar

You did! You did a great job, I just wanted to bring the Tea House and condo to your attention, because it broadens the idea of what he is about….

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Neil Scott's avatar

Really enjoyed the choice of music to accompany this post. I never got on with Sugimoto but can start to understand the appeal.

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/ℭ.'s avatar

Thanks a lot! I find the process of researching music for each newsletter enjoyable and interesting. You want both to meet harmoniously and not have one overcome the other. About Sugimoto, I'm thrilled that my piece picked your curiosity.

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