Overview
This segment discusses Japanese conceptual photographer Yasumasa Morimura’s career, focusing on how his transformative self-portraits challenge iconic images, Western art history, and ideas of identity. The notes highlight key themes and details related to Morimura’s work and his exhibition "Ego Obscura" at Japan Society, New York.
Morimura’s Artistic Practice and Approach
- Morimura is known for reinterpreting classic artworks and iconic figures using his own image.
- His work questions authenticity, identity, and established perceptions of art history.
- He deliberately blurs his own identity and that of his subjects, making familiar figures appear unfamiliar.
- Through shape-shifting, he inserts Japanese identity into a predominantly Western art historical narrative.
Influences and Early Career
- Morimura was born in Osaka in 1951, shortly after World War II and during significant political shifts in Japan.
- He matured during a rise in Japanese collecting of European art, which paralleled growing global interest in Japanese art.
- He debuted internationally at the Venice Biennale in 1988, gaining recognition for his conceptual photographic interventions.
Iconic Works and Artistic Motivations
- Morimura’s first major work was reenacting Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait, reflecting van Gogh’s influence and Japan’s reverence for Impressionism.
- He related personally to van Gogh’s search for self, using the Dutch artist as a symbolic entry point.
- Over his career, Morimura staged himself as numerous art historical and pop culture figures, including Frida Kahlo, Rembrandt, Manet’s Olympia, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Che Guevara, and others.
- He persistently challenges gender roles and historical narratives through these portrayals.
Recent Projects and Exhibitions
- In 2016, Morimura revisited previous works in "Ego Symposium," creating imagined dialogues for each persona.
- The exhibition "Ego Obscura" at Japan Society, New York, features notable photographic works, two video pieces, and recent installations.
- His 2018 installation and video works further explore self-portraiture and identity.
Artist’s Philosophy
- Morimura views self-portraiture as a historical tool rather than self-promotion or humor.
- His work interrogates power structures in history and pop culture, especially the roles and representation of women and political figures.
Exhibition Highlights
- "Ego Obscura" includes portraits as old masters, pop icons, political leaders, and immersive video installations.
- The exhibition invites viewers from diverse backgrounds to reflect on the nature of self and identity.