Yasuhiro Ishimoto (1921-2012), a Japanese photographer, may not be as well-known in France as Daido Moriyama, but he is nonetheless also a significant figure in the annals of Japanese photography. Ishimoto, who studied at the Institute of Design in Chicago from 1948 to 1952, is a unique example of cross-cultural education during a period when it was not as prevalent. After returning to Japan in 1953, he emerged as a prominent figure in the Japanese art world. Le Bal is showcasing a comprehensive retrospective of his work, titled “Lines and Bodies”, featuring a total of 169 rare prints, the majority of which are vintage and printed by Ishimoto himself. The exhibition includes a variety of images from both Chicago and Tokyo, demonstrating his approach of merging Japanese culture with Western influences. His photographs are graphic and occasionally stark. I was particularly drawn to his compositions that blend architecture and people. Ishimoto is also renowned for his depiction of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, which sent “shockwaves through the world of architecture and design”. His modernism and fresh perspective on the world have drawn comparisons to Brancusi, also exhibited in Paris (by chance). This is my second visit to Le Bal, and as always, the exhibition is well-presented, solidifying this institution’s place on my list of must-visit venues for photography exhibitions in Paris.
