ART | Tokihito Sato's "Light-Breathing: Being There, Not Being There"
ART | A World Visible Only Through Photography
Tokihiro Sato: Light—Breathing, Being There, Not Being There
This exhibition, "Tokihiro Sato: Light—Breathing, Being There, Not Being There," showcases the work of Tokihiro Sato, an artist whose practice centers on keywords such as light, time, space, and the body. It will be held at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Ebisu from May 13 (Tuesday) to July 13 (Sunday).
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Featuring "Light—Breathing," his signature series capturing the trajectory of light
Tokihiro Sato, born in Yamagata Prefecture in 1957, is known for his work using "photographic devices" such as pinhole cameras and the camera obscura, a precursor to the camera that projects an inverted image within a dark box. He has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, including invitations to the 6th Havana Biennale in 1997 and the 9th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh in 1999.
Sato's work stems from his fascination with and wonder at the fundamental principle of light forming an image through a small aperture. This exhibition presents approximately 99 prints, a comprehensive collection of his diverse experiments.
The exhibition includes signature works like "Light—Breathing," where Sato walks through landscapes—forests, seas, cities—holding a penlight or a mirror reflecting sunlight, capturing the trajectory of his movement on film to create ethereal worlds. Also on display are performance pieces where he modifies architectural structures or vehicles like buses into camera devices, allowing viewers to experience the changing images projected within alongside the artist and the public, offering a glimpse into the expanded possibilities of photography. Furthermore, a lecture by Sato himself will be held on May 17 (Saturday) at 3:00 PM.
From the series "Light—Breathing," "#284 Dojunkai Apartment," 1996, inkjet print, artist's collection
These works reveal phenomena invisible in the real world, made perceptible through the medium of photography. The exhibition unfolds a photographic universe unique to Sato, who has consistently embodied his themes through diverse methods.
From Tokihiro Sato's series "Light—Breathing," "Shirakami#7," 2008, artist's collection
Tokihiro Sato: Light—Breathing, Being There, Not Being There
Dates: May 13 (Tuesday) – July 13 (Sunday)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing) *Thursdays and Fridays until 8:00 PM
Venue: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, within Ebisu Garden Place
Closed: Mondays
Tel. 03-3280-0099
Admission: General ¥700, Students ¥600, Junior High/High School Students & Seniors (65+) ¥500
Floor Talk: First and third Fridays of each month at 2:00 PM (requires same-day exhibition ticket)