Hiroshi Sugimoto: Unit 5

            Hiroshi is a Japanese artist who respects traditions greatly, and allows traditions to influence his artwork and photography. He uses lines, shapes, and architecture a lot in his artwork. Water and Air are described as his primary aesthetic, which I think creates a Zen quality in his art. He also spoke about Shintoism in his art work. When I studied world religion, I wrote a 15 page paper on Shintoism, and I know that it is the embodiment of Japanese culture. Japanese people believe Japan to be heaven on earth and within Shintoism Gods and Deities once lived in Japan and reproduced until they created the current generation of human civilization. This is why it makes sense that Hiroshi would create such a serene and simple Shinto temple with beautiful glass staircases as part of his artwork. I also enjoy the fact that he is versatile. He is able to do architectural art, sculptures, and photography. One of his artwork incorporates photography and these big log white poles in an open space. I thought that was nice of him to do. Many artists have their art shown in galleries which is kind of stuffy. Having an art exhibit out in the open creates a different dynamic, and that Zen quality. He also has many photographs with bright colored rooms, and sculptures incorporated, such as the photo above. They are my favorite art pieces of his.