Daidō Moriyama — A Pioneer of Street Photography
“Photography is a way of keeping a diary of one’s life. It’s a way of expressing yourself.”
Daidō Moriyama is a renowned Japanese photographer who has been capturing the everyday life of people in the city through his black-and-white street photography since the early 1960s.
His photographs have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, and his work has earned him several awards, including the Hasselblad Award in 2012. He is considered one of the most influential photographers in Japan and has had a lasting impact on the art of photography.
Daidō Moriyama is a Japanese photographer who was born in 1938 in Osaka. He is best known for his black-and-white street photography, which often focuses on the everyday life of people in the city.
His work has earned him numerous awards, such as the Hasselblad Award in 2012, and has been featured in several exhibitions and publications. His photography is often associated with the Japanese photographic movement of “Provoke”, which is characterized by its gritty, grainy and off-kilter aesthetic.
Moriyama’s photography has been described as capturing the “harshness, hurt, and beauty of life”. His photographs often capture the chaos and confusion of city life, as well as the loneliness and alienation felt by its citizens. He has an eye for the small details in everyday life and can capture moments that would otherwise go unnoticed. His work is often considered to be an accurate reflection of the modern age.
Moriyama has been a major influence in the development of street photography, particularly in Japan.
His work has inspired several photographers, including Nobuyoshi Araki, Masahisa Fukase, and Takuma Nakahira. His photographs have been widely exhibited, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary photographers.
Best Books
Moriyama’s work has been widely published, and several books showcase his photography. Here are some of the best books featuring Moriyama’s work:
- Daidō Moriyama: Record, 1971–1989 — This book features a collection of photographs taken by Moriyama in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s an excellent introduction to his work and the book is filled with beautiful black-and-white images.
- Japan: A Photo Theater — This book contains a collection of photographs by Moriyama in Japan in the 1970s. It provides an interesting insight into the country during this period, and the photographs are beautifully composed.
- Daidō Moriyama: How I Take Photographs — This book contains a selection of Moriyama’s photographs, as well as essays on his approach to photography. It’s a great way to understand the artist’s work.
- Daidō Moriyama: A Photographic Life — This book is a retrospective of Moriyama’s career, featuring photographs taken over four decades. It’s an excellent overview of the photographer’s work and an essential read for anyone interested in his photography.
Conclusion
Daidō Moriyama is one of Japan's most influential photographers, and his work has had a lasting impact on the art of photography. His photographs capture the chaos and confusion of city life, as well as the loneliness and alienation felt by its citizens.
His work has been widely exhibited and published, and there are several books available that showcase his photography. Whether you are a fan of street photography or simply looking for a great introduction to the work of Moriyama, these books are a must-read.
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