The Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama, who was born in Osaka in 1938, shot his first picture when he was thirteen years old. Since then he hasn't stopped his frantic investigation and recording of the world through the lens of his 35-mm camera. He did this without any preliminary plan. Smart and the more baffling when one delves into his randomly shot pictures that often have crooked perspectives and images out of focus. Everything matches: the composition, the idea 'behind the photograph' and the way he handles his material in the darkroom in order to give the 'final picture' its perfect but at the same time rough finishing touch. Recognizable by their coarse grain, the heavy black and white contrast and images that are often blurred, Moriyama's pictures emphasize the story he wants to tell: contemporary man, caught up in his environment, trying to find a way (out). Moriyama elucidates the different steps of this quest. All perfectly registered in his four 'telephone directories', that have become illustrious in the meantime.
Though primarily focused on his own Japanese universe, Moriyama starts to explore the world in the sixties - he visits New York and Paris, and becomes influenced by Andy Warhol and Jack Kerouac, but most of all by William Klein. Klein's photo book New York spells a new starting point for Moriyama in whom he manages to develop new heights. In the course of the years his 'notes in images' command ever more respect, also internationally. This is not as odd as one would expect: though situated in Japan, his vision is universal - 'we' recognize much in his photographs. And, not just lovers of photography, but many international museums have acquired his work and numerous famous contemporary photographers have been influenced by Moriyama.
For this exhibition Moriyama has specially made a series of duo snapshots, once again showing his seemingly nonchalant approach to his environment.
Daido Moriyama
Until 14 August
Galerie Alex Daniels - Reflex Amsterdam
Weteringschans 83
1017 RZ Amsterdam
Netherlands
www.reflex-art.nl
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