YAMAWAKI, Iwao - Iwao Yamawaki

Background information

"The multiple exposure of a table lamp, the extreme close-up of a sheepskin, the oblique view of the Shell skyscraper in Berlin ... This monograph offers for the first time the chance to discover the versatile visual experiments of 'Bauhaus' student and photographer Iwao YAMAWAKI.
Iwao YAMAWAKI is an interesting figure at the interface of modernism and history of Japanese photography. He continuously analyzed the relationship between photography and the design of spaces and often tried to interpret the connection between human and architectural space in his paintings. The photography of Iwao YAMAWAKI can be described as a fascinating synthesis in which vocational training, typical design principles of Bauhaus photography and a specific Far Eastern aesthetic are brought together. (...) In 1926, Iwao YAMAWAKI began his career as an architect. As the reputation of the Bauhaus penetrated to Japan, he was immediately interested in the ideas proclaimed there. In 1930 YAMAWAKI left Tokyo to expand his knowledge at the Bauhaus in Dessau. First, he visited the workshop for architecture and interior design, but quickly felt drawn to photography and studied with Walter PETERHANS, under whose direction he developed into a versatile photographer. One focus of his work was architectural photography from the beginning. He often traveled to Berlin, Amsterdam and Moscow to photographically interpret examples of modern architecture. Time and again, he created surprising oblique views, captured concise image details, highlighted material and form contrasts and thus created unconventional image results. His newly discovered work is by no means limited to architectural representations; You will also find abstract still lifes, product photography, portraits and even reportage photos.

Content

This large-format photo book is the first monograph by Japanese photographer Iwao YAMAWAKI and illustrates the fascinating visual experiments of a very talented Bauhaus-era photographer." (slightly adapted and free translated publisher's text, © Steidl Verlag, 1999)

About Japanese photographer, Iwao YAMAWAKI (1898-1987)

Photo books by and on the work of Iwao YAMAWAKI