Hiroshi Sugimoto
Hiroshi Sugimoto, born in Tokyo in 1948, is a renowned Japanese photographer and architect whose work has received international acclaim. Sugimoto's career began with a fascination for photography during his childhood, which was further nurtured by his early experiments with photosensitive paper. He pursued a degree in Economics from Tokyo's Rikkyo University in 1970, followed by a BFA in Fine Arts from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Sugimoto's photographic work is characterized by its exploration of time and perception. His early series, such as "Dioramas" and "Theaters," challenged conventional notions of reality and illusion². In "Dioramas," he photographed museum exhibits, creating images that appeared more authentic than the exhibits themselves. "Theaters" involved long-exposure shots of movie screens, capturing the entire duration of a film in a single frame.
In addition to photography, Sugimoto has made significant contributions to architecture. In 2008, he established his own architecture firm, New Material Research Lab, in collaboration with architect Tomoyuki Sakakida. His multidisciplinary approach has also extended to sculpture and set design.
Sugimoto's work has been exhibited in major galleries worldwide, and he has received numerous awards, including the International Center of Photography's Infinity Award and the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography.