Hiroshi Sugimoto

Issue 173 – Master of Time and Memory

Hiroshi Sugimoto, born on February 23, 1948, in Tokyo, Japan, is a celebrated contemporary photographer whose work explores themes of time, memory, and the transience of life. His meticulously crafted images have earned him recognition as one of his generation's most innovative and thought-provoking artists.

Early Life and Discovery of Photography

Sugimoto grew up in post-war Japan, a time marked by rapid modernization and cultural transformation. As a child, he developed a keen interest in history and traditional Japanese arts, often sketching and creating miniature models. These early explorations into art and storytelling would later inform his photographic practice.

In 1970, Sugimoto graduated from Rikkyo University in Tokyo with a sociology and political science degree. Shortly afterward, he moved to the United States to study at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, where he immersed himself in Western art and culture. During this time, Sugimoto discovered photography as a medium capable of merging his interests in art, science, and philosophy.

Career and Artistic Vision

Sugimoto’s photography career began in the mid-1970s after he relocated to New York City. His work is characterized by a rigorous conceptual approach, often addressing profound philosophical questions about existence, perception, and the nature of reality. Using large-format cameras, Sugimoto crafts monochromatic images that evoke a timeless, meditative quality.

Major Photographic Series

1. Dioramas (1976–ongoing)
One of Sugimoto’s earliest and most iconic series, Dioramas captures scenes from natural history museum displays. By photographing these static, constructed environments as if they were real, Sugimoto blurs the line between truth and illusion. The series invites viewers to question the authenticity of visual representation and the narratives museums present.

2. Theaters (1978–ongoing)
In Theaters, Sugimoto photographs old movie theaters and drive-ins by exposing the film for the entire duration of a screening. The result is an ethereal, glowing white screen that serves as a metaphor for memory and the passage of time. The project highlights Sugimoto’s mastery of long-exposure photography and his ability to transform ordinary spaces into works of art.

3. Seascapes (1980–ongoing)
Arguably, his most poetic series, Seascapes, features serene images of the sea and sky, often devoid of landmarks or human presence. Taken across the globe, these photographs reflect Sugimoto’s fascination with the primordial and eternal. Each image mediates humanity's relationship to nature, capturing a moment of sublime stillness.

4. Architecture (1997–2002)
Sugimoto reinterprets iconic architectural structures in this series, such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye. By using a large-format camera and slightly defocusing his lens, he reduces these buildings to their elemental forms, creating a dreamlike quality that questions the permanence of human achievement.

5. Portraits (1999)
Sugimoto's Portraits series recreates historical figures using wax sculptures from Madame Tussauds. By photographing these hyper-realistic statues in classical portraiture style, Sugimoto explores the nature of representation and our connection to the past.

Legacy and Recognition

Hiroshi Sugimoto’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery in London, and the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. His meticulous craftsmanship and philosophical depth have influenced countless artists and earned him prestigious awards, including the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography in 2001.

Beyond photography, Sugimoto has expanded his creative pursuits into architecture and design. In 2009, he established the Odawara Art Foundation to support cultural projects and designed the Enoura Observatory, a space dedicated to art, performance, and celestial observation.

Lessons from Sugimoto’s Lens

I confess that I’m not a fan of Sugimoto’s work, but I do think his body of work offers valuable lessons for photographers and creatives alike:

1. Embrace Timelessness: Sugimoto’s focus on universal and enduring themes like time, memory, and nature reminds us to look beyond fleeting trends. His work encourages us to create art that resonates across generations.

2. Explore the Intersection of Art and Philosophy: Sugimoto elevates his images into profound meditations on existence by combining photography with deep philosophical inquiry. This approach invites creatives to think beyond aesthetics and infuse their work with intellectual and emotional depth.

3. Master Craftsmanship: Sugimoto’s meticulous attention to detail, from selecting large-format cameras to perfecting exposure times, underscores the importance of technical mastery. He demonstrates that technical precision and artistic vision go hand in hand.

4. Blur Boundaries: Sugimoto’s ability to merge reality and illusion—whether through photographing wax figures or staged dioramas—encourages photographers to push the limits of their medium and challenge conventional expectations.

5. Be Patient with the Process: Many of Sugimoto’s images, such as those in his Theaters and Seascapes series, require long exposure and detailed preparation. His work reminds us to slow down and fully engage with the creative process, embracing its challenges and rewards.

Hiroshi Sugimoto’s photographs transcend the boundaries of time and space, inviting viewers into a world of contemplation and wonder. Sugimoto continues to challenge our understanding of reality through his unique perspective and innovative techniques, leaving an indelible mark on the history of photography and contemporary art.

What do you think of Hiroshi Sugimoto's work? Let us know in the comments on Substack.

*All photographs Copyright ©Hiroshi Sugimoto