A large retrospective of Daido Moriyama constitutes, by itself, a very good reason to travel to London. The greatest living Japanese photographer, born in 1938, a veteran, has been very productive throughout his life, and a great inspiration to many. From the American occupation of Japan, through the 60’s and 70’s, Daido Moriyama is particularly famous for his dark, grainy, at times blurred, often random, photographs of Tokyo and other cities. His pictures have a rough, bold look with strong contrasts and grainy textures. Shadows in his pictures create mysterious and sometimes spooky feelings. He takes pictures of everyday people in everyday situations, stray dogs, city scenes, and quick moments of connection between people. Moriyama’s photos often have tilted angles and unexpected views that make them feel organic and alive, just like the busy pace of city life. His pictures don’t just show what things look like; they make you feel you are part of them. They make you think about the real and not-so-perfect parts of life, going beyond what is typically seen as beautiful or orderly. The Photographers’ Gallery gives us a large view of his oeuvre, on several levels of display, repeating ad infinitum some of his famous photographs on the walls (like his panty hoses) and superposing those with more orderly framed prints. I had already seen a large retrospective exhibit in Paris (as reported here) and preferred the former rather than the latter. Maybe having something to do with the way the work is presented. Nonetheless, a visit to London definitely worth the trip.
