ART | Masayuki Yoshinaga Photography Exhibition "SENTO" to be held at GALLERY SHUHARI in Yotsuya-Sanchome
Early works that inspired Masayuki Yoshinaga to become a photographer
Masayuki Yoshinaga Photography Exhibition "SENTO"
Young members of biker gangs, street gangs, kogal schoolgirls, and foreign residents in Japan──Photographer Masayuki Yoshinaga, known for his work documenting minorities in Japan—from biker gangs and street crews to kogal schoolgirls and foreign residents—approaches his subjects with an unpretentious, direct gaze. This purity allows his subjects to behave naturally, captured on film without affectation. The "SENTO" exhibition is currently on view at GALLERY SHUHARI in Yotsuya-Sanchome until December 26 (Monday).
Text by OPENERS
Works that represent the origins of photographer Masayuki Yoshinaga
The "SENTO" series, featured here, was shot by Yoshinaga in 1993 at a local public bathhouse in his native Osaka, during his time as a freelance assistant. At the time, Yoshinaga was drawn to the public bath as a social hub where diverse people gathered. He focused on and engaged with the ordinary individuals frequenting these spaces, photographing them directly.
These works, still vibrant with energy years later, are the very foundation of Masayuki Yoshinaga's artistic journey. This series has only been published in a few magazines until now, making this exhibition the first opportunity to see them.
Furthermore, the photo book of the same name, "SENTO" by Masayuki Yoshinaga, which proved difficult to release in Japan due to its content, has been produced in a limited edition of 1000 copies for overseas distribution. The cover is made from tenugui (traditional Japanese hand towel), available in five different patterns. It is currently on sale at the exhibition venue and select bookstores. For more details, please contact Tokyo Kirara Sha (Tel. 03-3233-2228).
GALLERY SHUHARI was opened last year by ten graduates of Yoshinaga's and Daido Moriyama's photography塾 (school) called "resist," who sought a new platform for exhibiting their work. The gallery features rotating solo exhibitions by its members, with each exhibition cycle lasting two weeks.
Talk Events
Saturday, December 10th, 7:00 PM: Masayuki Yoshinaga x Minoru Shimizu (Photography Critic)
Saturday, December 17th, 7:00 PM: Masayuki Yoshinaga x Takashi Nemoto (Garo Manga Artist)
Sunday, December 25th, 5:00 PM: Masayuki Yoshinaga x Satoru Machiguchi (Art Director)
Admission: ¥500 per session
Reservations and inquiries can be made at the following:
GALLERY SHUHARI
Tel. 03-5269-1436
Masayuki Yoshinaga Photography Exhibition "SENTO"
Exhibition Dates: Through Monday, December 26, 2011
GALLERY SHUHARI
3F Odaka Bldg., 3-13 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5269-1436
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Tuesday - Sunday; open until 8:00 PM on the final day)
Closed Mondays and New Year holidays (The gallery will be open on Monday, December 26th for this exhibition)
Admission: Free
http://www.gallery-shuhari.com/
Concurrent Exhibition
Masayuki Yoshinaga Solo Exhibition "Catalog 45"
Exhibition Dates: Monday, December 19, 2011 - Monday, December 26, 2011
Venue: Place M
3F Kindai Bldg., 1-2-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tel. 03-3341-6107