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The essence of Nobuyoshi Araki

The words “The Last Picture Show” greet the reader upon opening the dark, little box containing Nobuyoshi Araki’s photobook “Anbako” (“Dark Box”). Araki, one of Japan’s most prolific photographers, has spent the past five years photographing in his neighborhood and at his home to produce the book.

Now in his 80s, Araki’s desire for images is as strong as ever. The Corona pandemic and other of life’s circumstances may have made things more difficult, but Araki continues to think, record, reminisce, communicate in photographs.

Through the photographs of his neighborhoods, Araki has been taken on a journey into the past—his first encounter with a camera, and seeing his elementary school upside-down in the viewfinder of his father’s camera obscura; all alone, in a world of silence. But, says Araki, it was warmth he sensed there, not loneliness.

Each copy of Nobuyoshi Araki’s “Anbako” includes a polaroid signed by the artist.

Please note that all texts (including an interview booklet with Nobuyoshi Araki) is only available in Japanese.

＊Motif of the original signed polaroid will be selected randomly.