A solo exhibition by German photographer Andreas Gursky opened on the 3rd at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi. Gursky himself gave a brief explanation at a press preview. The exhibition features a collection of large, detailed photographs, measuring between 2 and 5 meters in length and width, as well as 65 smaller works from his early days. The subjects range from Antarctica to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Tour de France, 99-cent shops, and shoe displays at Prada stores. Gursky studied under the Becher couple, who revolutionized German photography in the 1960s. He is part of the Becher School, which produced many of Germany's leading figures in photography, including Thomas Schutt and Thomas Ruff. The Bechers are known for developing the photographic technique known as "typology," which involves photographing buildings and landscapes from a bird's-eye view in an attempt to understand the subject. Many of the works on display this time are bird's-eye views. People and other small details have been digitally added, and every detail is deliberately in focus. The water surface in his masterpiece, "Kamiokande" (2007), is a composite. Gursky personally guided the selection and display of the works on display.

"I chose works that are different from those used in European exhibitions. The photographs are integrated into acrylic panels, so the exhibits themselves are the artwork. Only one print is displayed per wall. This creates an installation-like layout. I hope that by viewing the exhibition, visitors will be able to understand how the 'current me' perceives my work."


[Event Information]
Andreas Gursky Exhibition ANDREAS GURSKY
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: Until September 16th
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays)
Admission: Adults 1,500 yen, University students 1,200 yen, High school students 800 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
Closed: Tuesdays