2014 marks the 101st anniversary of the birth of renowned war photographer Robert Capa. From March 22 to May 11, the photo exhibition "Robert Capa 101 Years Later: Everyone Admired Bob" will be held at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Ebisu, Tokyo.
Capa made his name in the first half of the 20th century with numerous battlefield images, including those from the Spanish Civil War and World War II, and is now a legendary figure in photojournalism. In reality, however, he was an ordinary man who loved gambling, enjoyed life with many friends, and, above all, loved women. The life of "Bob," as he was affectionately known, was far from smooth sailing. It was plagued by setbacks and a sense of impatience, including the loss of his beloved Gerda Taro, disappointment in the film industry, and the struggles of continuing his career as a photographer.
The exhibition will feature works from the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum's collection, as well as numerous shots that Capa took off-the-battlefield, inspired by his empathy for his contemporaries and his feelings for his friends. The unique exhibit features many previously unknown works that capture Capa's true essence: humor and joie de vivre. Also featured will be a special exhibit of "The Last Camera" (owned by the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum), which Capa used until his death after stepping on a landmine while filming the First Indochina War. Along with his beloved Contax II, "The Last Camera" is said to be the camera with which he took his final photograph. This will be the first time this camera has been exhibited to the public since its public display in Aomori Prefecture in 2003. This marks its first public appearance in Tokyo in 16 years, since 1998. Additionally, a video interview with former LIFE magazine editor John Morris will be screened. Morris, who met Capa in the winter of 1939 and became close friends with Capa's family, will talk about Capa's past in this original interview. Morris reminisces about the time they first met, recounting amusing anecdotes and reminiscing about Capa's personality and lifestyle. Additionally, the audio guide at the venue features Capa's own voice, re-recorded from a recording of an appearance he made on NBC Radio in the United States, discovered in 2013.
[Event Information]
Robert Capa, the 101st Year: They All Adored Bob
Venue: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, B1F Exhibition Room
Address: Ebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Dates: March 22nd to May 11th
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 20:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults 1,100 yen, Students 900 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students and those 65 and over 700 yen
Closed: Mondays (open on April 28th and May 5th), May 7th
