Nobuyoshi Araki

Tokyo Comedy

1997

gelatin silver print mounted on acrylic

100 × 123 cm

Unique

Location: Clichy, France

37,800 € 37800.0 EUR 37,800 €

Color

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Arianee token ID 198814982

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About the artwork

A black and white photograph from 1997 depicts two nude figures in an intertwined pose on a textured, dark ground. The composition features a male figure, seen from the back, whose entire torso and limbs are covered in intricate Japanese tattoos, positioned above a female figure lying on her back with her eyes closed. The male figure's legs are bent, and his arms appear to be holding the female figure's leg. The female figure's body is partially obscured by the male figure and her own limbs. The lighting emphasizes the contours of the bodies and the details of the tattoos, creating a contrast with the dark background and the lighter, textured floor. The image captures a moment of physical intimacy or struggle, rendered with a direct and unembellished photographic style. The title, "Tokyo Comedy," introduces an element of irony, contrasting the intensity of the scene with a word that can suggest lightness or theatricality. This work is part of Araki's broader engagement with the city of Tokyo and his exploration of human relationships, desire, and the complexities of life. The use of black and white photography, along with the stark composition, contributes to the dramatic quality of the image. The scene, while suggestive, presents a study of form, texture, and human interaction within Araki's characteristic visual language.

Expert opinion

Nobuyoshi Araki's work holds a distinct position within contemporary photography, particularly known for its blend of personal narrative and provocative subject matter. His consistent exploration of themes such as life, death, and sexuality, often through the lens of his own experiences and surroundings in Tokyo, has established him as a significant figure in post-war Japanese art. The market for his photographs reflects sustained interest from collectors and institutions, driven by his prolific output and the cultural discussions his work often generates. The demand for his works is evident in consistent auction results and gallery representation globally. Pieces from his well-known series, particularly gelatin silver prints, maintain a steady presence in the secondary market. The artist's long career and extensive exhibition history contribute to the perceived value and collectibility of his oeuvre, positioning him as an artist whose work is both critically recognized and commercially active.

About the artist

Nobuyoshi Araki, born in Tokyo in 1940, is a Japanese photographer and contemporary artist. He pursued studies in film and photography at Chiba University, graduating in 1963. Following his education, he worked at the advertising agency Dentsu, where he met his future wife, Yoko Aoki, who became a frequent subject in his work. Araki's career, spanning over six decades, is characterized by a prolific output, including more than 500 published books. His early work includes "Satchin" (1964), a photographic series focusing on schoolchildren in Tokyo, which earned him the Taiyo Award. A notable early series, "Sentimental Journey" (1971), documented his honeymoon and personal life with Yoko. Araki's work often explores themes of eroticism, bondage, and mortality, frequently incorporating images of women in traditional Japanese rope bondage (kinbaku), flowers, and scenes of Tokyo life. His approach to photography, which he refers to as "I-photography," is deeply autobiographical and confessional. Throughout his career, Araki's work has been exhibited internationally at institutions such as Tate Modern, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Albertina Museum in Vienna. He has received recognition, including the Austrian Decoration of Honor for Science and Arts in 2008 and the 54th Mainichi Art Award in 2012. Despite facing controversy and arrests in Japan related to obscenity laws, his artistic practice has continued to be recognized within the art world.

Additional info

Signed 3x

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