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Preview: Jack Foley
HOKUSAI'S 36 Views of Mount Fuji showed the daily life
of 19th Century Japan against the backdrop of a potent national
symbol.
Chris Steele-Perkins' photographs re-interpret this juxtaposition
for a new century: the mountain timeless and unchanging, the life
in the foreground unrecognisably different.
Exhibition toured by mac and Magnum Photos.
The photographs which have resulted can be viewed at the National
Theatre until September 13 and provide a compelling insight into
Mt Fuji, and the way in which the world around it has changed.
Here are some reviews of Perkins' work.
“at once a social commentary, a homage to Hokusai and an
ironic essay on modernity.....this mixture creates the attractively
tart flavour of the collection - sweet and sour blended with a
light skill that prevents it being bitter” - Japan Times
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“the strange and wonderful thing about Steele-Perkins’
Fuji is how elusive the mountain is in his photographs even as
it is a constant....while Fuji is nominally about a mountain it
is actually as much about the human enterprise that surrounds
Mt Fuji...people are everywhere in Fuji as Steele-Perkins intended”
- British Journal of Photography
“Rather than recreating classic Hokusai scenes, he has captured
today’s classic scenes; football, theme-parks and heavy industry.
If Houksai were to pick up a camera today this is the body of
work he may produce.” - Foto8
“he offers a fresh and surprising view of this iconic mountain
and a meditation on modern Japan and Japanese Life.” -
Leica View
“Steele-Perkins’ photographs have an exquisite balance
that suggests a deliberate - almost painterly – approach”
- Metro
The National Gallery is located on London's South Bank and is
open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 11pm, all year round (except
for bank holidays - check with the Information Desk for details).
The Information Desk in the main entrance foyer is open during
these times.
Tel 020 7452 3400 for more information - the Box Office is open
from 10am to 8pm for callers in person.
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