THE GALLERY by odo is pleased to announce its exhibition, Nobuyoshi Araki: Tokyo Elegy — a tribute to the iconic Nobuyoshi Araki. This exhibition invites viewers to delve into the prolific work of an avant-garde visionary in the field of photographic storytelling.

Araki, a pioneer of avant-garde and street photography, has continuously expanded the horizons of photographic art. His innovative fusion of urban development with natural elements crafts a unique style that explores the beauty and contradictions of existence. Operating predominantly within the vibrant cityscapes of his native Tokyo, Araki employs a diverse array of photographic techniques to illuminate the hidden sides of the city and its people. Such an approach not only exemplifies his artistic vision but also his profound connection to the city.

This exhibition presents 15 of Araki’s most acclaimed works, including pieces from series such as “Tokyo Comedy”, “Colourscapes”, “Kaori Love”, and more. Colourscapes presents symbolic pieces such as Untitled (Watermelon) 1991, which reinforce Araki’s masterful use of color and form, while exemplifying his cleverness and wit by exploring themes of sensuality through mundane subjects. By centering on the feminine form alongside food and flowers, Araki evokes desire in both its literal and symbolic representation.

Additionally, the exhibition presents over 300 Polaroids by Araki, offering an unprecedented glimpse into his unique creative process. The Polaroids serve as a gateway to Araki’s soul, capturing the fleeting moments of raw beauty and ephemeral truths. Araki is praised for his erotic photographs, especially “kinbaku” (Japanese bondage art), featured in polaroids of kimono-clad models. Throughout his work, recurring motifs of flowers, skies, and urban landscapes serve to articulate eroticism and mortality of life within the ordinary. The important “Skies” photographs began the day after the death of his wife, Yoko, in 1990, as he embarked on the journey to find the meaning of grief and loss.