Hisaji Hara at Michael Hoppen Gallery, London
Posted in Beaux Arts, Erotica, Exhibitions / Openings / Signings, Eyecandy, Photography by Suzanne on February 18th, 2012 | BBC Wikipedia
A Study of “Because Cathy taught him what she learnt” by Hisaji Hara, 2010 – click to enlarge
I think it must have been the lovely Nana Rapeblossom who first introduced me to Hisaji Hara‘s work a few months back and I must admit that it comes as a bit of a surprise to see him showing at Michael Hoppen now.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Hoppen as it’s a fantastic gallery with superb curating and as a matter of fact, they’re also hosting a marvellous Guy Bourdin show at Hoppen Contemporary right now – but it seems I had just subconsciously assumed that for his first solo show on European soil, he would choose a museum rather than gallery context given his penchant for highly composed arrangements and established European painters, especially (and obviously) Balthus.
A Study of “But it was one of their chief amusements to run away to the moors” by Hisaji Hara, 2010 – click to enlarge
There’s softened spatial serenity, composed simplicity, powdered sexuality, layered architecture, and ahistorical frozen theatricality to his works which are all aspects that are becoming ever rarer in a contemporary photography landscape which often seems dominated by the ironic dirty scenester snapshot so it’s a huge joy and inspiration to see such works being appreciated “over here”. Definitely a must-see for all London folks.
Opens Feb 24. Details below.
A Study of “Katia Reading” by Hisaji Hara, 2009 – click to enlarge
On show: Feb 24 – Mar 31, 2012
Address: Michael Hoppen Gallery, 3 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TD, UK, tel: +44 (0)20 7352 3649, email: gallery@michaelhoppengallery.com | Map
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10.30 AM – 6 PM, Sat: 10.30 – 5 PM
AkaTako says:
Gorgeous! I wish I were in London to check it out but google will have to suffice for now.
February 19th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Suzanne says:
I’m pretty sure he’ll come to the States at some point. As always, appreciation came via Paris to London so it’s probably off to Amsterdam and then the States. Maybe. Hopefully.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:40 pm
AkaTako says:
Fingers crossed!
February 21st, 2012 at 12:59 am
kid37 says:
Cool. Didn’t know him. Very Balthus indeed and a nice tonal range in his photographs. I like that melancholy air.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 am
Suzanne says:
I agree. It’s particularly impressive seeing that he only uses cinematic lights and smoke machines and absolutely no after effects for his works.
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Suzanne Gerber – Giving Taste A Bad Name Since Kindergarten» Blog Archive » Nazif Topçuoğlu at Green Art Gallery, Dubai says:
[...] I missed the glorious opportunity to tie this post in with my recent article on Hisaji Hara – it would have been a very smooth and insightful transition as both Nazif and Hisaji sure [...]
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:28 pm
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June 1st, 2013 at 4:41 am